Skibb NCT centre doing some underbody checks

SKIBBEREEN and Little Island NCT centres are currently the only Cork centres carrying out underbody inspections, following the recommencement of inspections last week.

However, the reinstated vehicle inspection lifts will only be used for drivers who are due to undergo a driving test, taxi roadworthiness checks and for car dealerships.

Earlier this week, the NCTS announced that underbody inspections will recommence in an additional eight centres around the country following the delivery and planned installation of new vehicle lifts at these centes, which means 16 centres nationwide are now offering underbody inspections

Last week, NCTS made the decision to temporarily discontinue the use of vehicle scissor lifts – lifts used to raise a vehicle above ground to inspect the underbody area of a vehicle –  across the network of 47 centres after becoming aware of a defect with a similar make and model of MAHA scissor lifts.

A spokesperson for the NCTS told The Southern Star that the Skibbereen centre on Marsh Road is operational since last Friday, but only for the  three specific categories.

‘There is a two-lane centre at Skibbereen and as one lift was only recently installed, it’s a newer model which means it can be used for underbody inspections.

‘However, we would like to advise that this does not mean that full test inspections are available to all other customers at this time. Those waiting for a first time will have to wait and we are trying to get through all those already in the system,’ they added.

Customers are being advised to continue to book and turn up for their NCT as normal.

‘The test will be completed with the omission of the underbody inspection. However, if the vehicle fails on another element of the test, they must present their vehicle for retest as normal.’

Underbody inspections will be conducted at la ater date when the lifts are returned to use and all other elements of the test including lights, emissions, upper body exterior, vehicle interior, brakes, suspension and wheel alignment will be tested as normal.

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