County scores a technological first

CLARE has scored a technological first with the introduction of Ireland’s first online booking system at a commercial vehicle testing centre. 
The county’s van and truck drivers can now reduce their downtime by booking their annual test online with the Clare Vehicle Testing Centre in Clarecastle, at any time of the day or night.
It’s not the only milestone for the family-run venture because proprietors Pat and Kitty Quinn are this year celebrating 25 years in business at their Lissane centre. Last year, it offered the online service on a trial basis and has now become the first in the country to offer such a service to all customers.
Pat is keenly aware that customers need to keep vehicles on the road without undue interruption. “Their vehicle is their livelihood and we can never forget that. So this is a further investment that reduces downtime. We must always find new ways to facilitate our customers,” he acknowledged.
To meet this aim, the company has launched a new website, www.clarevtn.ie, where vehicle owners can book their test online 24-hours a day.
The site allows drivers to choose a time and date for their test. On the day before the test, both the owner and the driver will receive a text reminding them of the test time. It even gives a further reminder, by text and email, when the vehicle is due for its test in subsequent years.
The Clare Vehicle Testing Centre is the first in Ireland to operate such a booking system. VT Confirmed was developed in Ennis by the web development team at Acton Web, led by Michael Byrne.
Pat has been impressed with the results so far. “It has worked brilliantly for our customers in the trial period and feedback has been very positive. There has been a significant reduction in no-shows and people appreciate the reminder. Together with recent investment in premises and test equipment, our customers can be confident that they are receiving the most advanced, convenient and cost-effective service available.”
Clare Vehicle Testing Centre boasts four testing lanes, one for heavy goods vehicles and three to accommodate lighter commercials under 3,500kgs. It specialises in testing and tachograph services. In order to guarantee customer confidence in the test process, the centre does not undertake repairs.