Catalonia is preparing to completely overhaul the vehicle inspection system, better known as ITV. The regional government has approved a draft bill to deregulate this system, a measure that could affect prices and would streamline the process for garages and companies to obtain new licenses .
This new legislation aims to expand the network of locations to eliminate long lines and waiting lists at authorized repair shops and, at the same time, give users greater freedom to choose where to have their vehicles inspected.
The change in the model will also affect prices, which will no longer be set by law and will depend on the rates each company charges its customers. This last point is what has caused the most division among consumers, whose main fear is a general increase in the cost of the service.
Uncapped prices—for now
In the bill, the Government of Catalonia reserves the right to regulate and even set a maximum price to ensure that the new model does not harm consumers and to promote fair competition. Additionally, a two-year transition period is established to move toward the new regulations, while monitoring potential issues that could affect workers, businesses, and users alike.
Currently, the region has 50 fixed stations and 10 mobile units, but the service is overwhelmed because it is unable to meet the full demand for inspections.
Autonomous communities such as Madrid and Murcia have been operating under similar regulations for several years, although neither of them contemplates the possibility of regulating the sector and instead adhere to free-market principles.
