`Officials have not done their homework on MOT bill’

HOUSE Communications’ Committee Chairman Nicos Pittokopitis yesterday accused the Communications’ Ministry of tabling an incomplete bill before the Committee on mandatory vehicle inspections.

The Ministry’s plan aims to cut down on the number of road deaths.

“The bill hardly touches on any issue other than the setting of fees that drivers will have to pay to have their vehicles inspected,” Pittokopitis told reporters at the House following a ten-minute meeting attended by ministry officials.

“The officials themselves have admitted the bill has yet to be approved by other government departments. We could never take a decision on it under these circumstances. We would be ridiculed. It would be like setting a non-existent legal framework. We have sent the ministry officials back to do some homework and come back when they are ready to present us with a complete proposal.

“We need the ministry to give us more details about which and how many garages will be assigned with the project. We are yet to be briefed about the procedures and other issues in order to be convinced that the plan will be effective and operational,” he said.

Neophytou said last week the increase in road accidents on the island was partly down to the fact that there were too many poorly-maintained vehicles on the road.

If the House approves the scheme, vehicles deemed dangerous because of mechanical or other flaws will be banned.