EU proposes tougher testing rules for aging cars

The European Commission is proposing new rules under which six-year-old cars would need an NCT every year.

Under the current legislation, cars over four years old are tested every two years, and only cars over 10 years old are tested every year.

The Commission's proposals would also mean compulsory tests for motorbikes and scooters.

"Given such a high percentage of motorcycle accidents are due to technical problems, it does not make sense that these vehicles are not subject to testing," a Commission statement said.

"This is especially the case as motorbike and scooter riders, particularly young riders, are the highest risk group of road users."

The suggested rules must now be approved by both the European Parliament and member states before becoming law.

"If you're driving a car which is not fit to be on the road, you're a danger to yourself and to everyone else in your car – your family, your friends, your business colleagues," Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas said.

"What's more, you’re a danger to all the other road users around you.

"It's not complicated; we don't want these potentially lethal cars on our roads."