Higher Costs, More Unsafe Vehicles from WoF Changes

MTA Head of Advocacy James McDowall says the changes have been pitched by Government as a cost-saving measure for motorists under pressure from the cost of living and fuel prices.

“The saving of one less WoF a year is around $70 and while that may be well-intentioned, motorists will probably end up paying more in other costs – larger maintenance and repair bills due to the delay in inspections,” Dr McDowall says.

“Not to mention insurance, ACC levies and the cost to the taxpayer of increased enforcement and education.”

MTA is concerned there is a cost to safety too. New Zealand’s road toll is very poor by developed nation standards and the country’s fleet is the second oldest in the OECD.

“When we canvassed MTA members, who conduct 80% of WoF inspections, for their views on the Government’s proposals last year, there was widespread consensus that they would mean more unsafe vehicles on the roads,” Dr McDowall says.

“The failure rate for WoF is currently 41% with the existing rules and at any given time there are over half a million vehicles on the road without a valid WoF. The new structure is hardly going to improve those figures.

“In the original proposal, vehicles up to 10-years old would have been able to get a warrant every two years. That’s now been increased to vehicles up to 14 years (with effect from next year).

“You don’t have to be a mechanic to realise that many cars deteriorate as they age. One in three vehicles between eight and 10 years old already presents with safety-related issues every year.

“Vehicles only needing a warrant every two years up to the age of 14 is going to mean more vehicles on the roads with dangerous faults like worn tyres and brakes. The reality is many motorists simply don’t keep a close eye on their vehicle’s condition and rely on the WoF to find safety issues.”

For that reason, MTA recommended the first warrant to last three years – not four – and for the twice-yearly check to end at seven years.

MTA highlighted industry’s concerns in their submission on the proposed changes last year. The organisation, which represents the entire automotive sector, also placed a full-page letter in newspapers around the country.

A link to MTA’s submissions on the proposed changes can be found here >>