NCT operator Applus+ Inspection Services have announced that they are going cashless.
The national car test operator says it’s taking the decision for the safety and convenience of its customers.
Customers will only be able to pay by card when booking or via postal order after the test has been booked.
The decision has been described as a ‘bolt from the blue’ which has angered the public.
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Communications and Transport, Martin Kenny TD, has called on the company to explain its decision and to rethink other options.
Deputy Kenny said: “This announcement was made with little follow-up information. The only information motorists currently have is that at some stage in the coming months, the centres will stop accepting cash payments.
“According to the announcement, NCT will only accept a pre-payment made online or by postal order. Motorists have been left without the basic information here, including a start date for the introduction of the new pre-pay model.”
Deputy Kenny said he has made contact with NCT senior management and asked for a detailed explanation of this upcoming change, and how they have reached this decision in the first place.
He added: “Given the technical and digital difficulties we’ve seen with some of our long-standing banks over the last number of months, people are – quite rightly – concerned about moving towards online payments and cashless transactions.
“This announcement was a bolt from the blue which has shocked and angered the public. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, it’s understandable that many people wait until the day of their NCT to pay at the centre because they simply do not have the money until then.
“NCT need to re-think this decision.”
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