13 - 19 January 2000

1,000 vehicles scrapped since introduction of VRT

by Franco Aloisio

Around 1,000 vehicles have been scrapped since the introduction of the Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (VRT) last October, sources close to the Licensing and Testing Department have said.

Between October and November 1999, 800 vehicles had their number plates returned to the Licensing Department after failing the tests. Some of the owners decided to scrap their vehicles even prior to the test.

However many vehicles did not pass the VRT. This led to a situation whereby the owners opted for a new vehicle, rather than trying to repair the one that failed the test.

At present the garages authorised to carry out VRT tests examine a limited number of the vehicle's parts such as the lights, steering mechanism, tyres and braking system.

The chassis and engine numbers are being checked since this is the only way to ensure that the car in question is really the car registered on the logbook.

It is expected that the test will get tougher as more car parts and systems will be tested in the coming months. There are around 20 authorised VRT garages in Malta and Gozo at present. The cost of the test varies from Lm8 to Lm12.

The aim of the VRT was not to eliminate old cars from the roads but to ensure better safety. However, the sources said that even new cars are failing the tests.

In the first weeks since the test was launched, about half the number of cars undergoing a VRT failed the test, however, the number of cars failing the test has recently decreased. Failing the VRT means that one's license is not renewed.