19 September 2012

AA welcomes WoF and vehicle licensing system review

The Automobile Association is welcoming the Government’s discussion document proposing reforms to New Zealand’s Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Annual Vehicle Licence systems.

“This review proposes the most significant changes to vehicle regulations since the introduction of used Japanese imports in the 1980s,” says AA spokesperson Mark Stockdale. “It has the potential to save motorists’ time and money.”

Some of the options under consideration propose less frequent WoFs, but only if this does not compromise vehicle safety.

Compared to other countries, New Zealand has one of the most frequent inspection regimes in the world. Our vehicles are typically inspected every 6000km, whereas in the UK they’re tested every 19,000km and in Germany every 32,000km.

“We need to have a system that ensures vehicles are safe, but if safety can be maintained or improved with reduced time and cost for motorists then that would be a welcome result,” says Mr Stockdale.

“New Zealand is the only country in the world that requires most vehicles to undergo a safety inspection every six months. Most countries only require an inspection once a year or every two years, and in many Australian and US states, there is no regular inspection at all,” Mr Stockdale said.

“It’s been decades since these systems were given a major review and in this time vehicle quality, reliability and safety have all improved enormously. The AA is pleased to see the Government looking at a wide range of options to ensure motorists are getting the best results for safety, value and their time.”

The review is also considering changes to our annual vehicle licensing system (or ‘rego’) and the Certificate of Fitness system.

The AA will be surveying its members to get their views on possible changes to the WoF and vehicle licensing systems.

ENDS

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