The procedure for the reporting of accidents/vehicle damage is outlined below:
- The proprietor must inform the licensing authority within 72 hours if a vehicle has been involved in an accident or sustained damage, in all instances an ‘Accident Report Form’ must be completed. (An accident report form can now be completed & submitted on-line also).
- The Proprietor will then have 5 working days to produce an accident damage slip from a council appointed testing station confirming the roadworthiness of the vehicle. (Please note only original accident damage slips will be accepted)
- If the vehicle is not roadworthy plates must be returned to the licensing office for the licence to be suspended until the repairs have been completed.
- The Proprietor of the vehicle can only apply to licence a vehicle from a hire company vehicle if the vehicle is not in a roadworthy condition and is suspended.
- The Proprietor will then have 8 weeks from the date of the accident to have the repair works carried out. If repairs are not carried out within the 8 weeks a letter from the insurance company is required giving an explanation as to why the vehicle has not been repaired.
- Once the vehicle has been repaired it will then need to be re-inspected by a Council appointed testing station to confirm that the repair work is satisfactory. Another slip will be given to the Proprietor, which must be submitted to the Licensing Office upon production of this document the suspension will be lifted.
Whilst an accident report can be submitted online, an appointment will still need to be made with the office to bring in accident damage/repair slips and vehicle plates where a vehicle is no longer roadworthy.
Failure to either return the plates, produce an accident slip or have the repair work carried out in the required time may result in enforcement action being taken.