Tractor 'NCT' to add significant costs

The group met with the transport committee last week and expressed concern that no consultation regarding the introduction of the test has been carried out.

Compulsory tractor NCT tests are due to be introduced in May 2018 and will apply to tractors that are capable of driving at more than 40km/h that are used for commercial road haulage.

However, nearly all tractor manufacturers produce a T5-model tractor that is capable of travelling in excess of 40km/h.

Huge depreciation costs

FCI chief executive Michael Moroney said apart from the new strict proposed compliance costs, there will be huge depreciation costs incurred at a time when there is no need for this.

Contractor-owned tractors are not involved in farm accidents to the same extent as farmer-owned tractors, as contractors need to have their machines in top condition all of the time to ensure that they are working to the maximum available hours dictated by variable weather conditions, the group said.

The FCI also called on the committee to support opting out of bringing in the tests for the Irish market.

However, speaking last week, Minister for Transport Shane Ross said there is ”no opt-out” for tractor NCT tests.

EU directive

The tests for tractors are being introduced under an EU directive and there is no getting out of the terms for member states, Ross said.

The directive was drawn up because of the increasing use of fast tractors as an alternative to commercial haulage trucks.

He added that there is no requirement to introduce compulsory testing for such tractors used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

Tractor drivers with no NCT will face five penalty points and a €3,000 fine.

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