WoF Changes don't Add Up

MTA is publishing a full-page letter in newspapers around the country this week asking vehicle owners to consider the financial impact and encouraging them to make a submission on the Government’s proposal.

MTA Chief Executive Lee Marshall says Government calculations overlook some key factors.

“These changes are presented as a cost of living saving for Kiwis,” Mr Marshall says.

“And yes, under the proposed changes, around twenty percent of vehicle owners might save around $70 for one less warrant a year. But you’ll likely end up paying far more in other costs – larger maintenance and repair bills, insurance, ACC levies and the cost to the taxpayer of increased enforcement and education.

“There’s potentially a human cost too, with the possibility of more harm caused on the roads.”

Under the WoF review, the Government is proposing:

• New vehicles: First WoF issued for four years (currently three)
• Vehicles 4-10 years old: WoF required every two years (currently annual)
• Vehicles over ten years old: WoF required every year (currently vehicles made before 2000 require WoF every six months)
• Light rental vehicles under five years old: CoF A required every year (currently six months).

MTA’s call, first and foremost, is to slow down the process and involve the organisations and businesses that are involved in this key area every day.

“The time given to consult is unreasonably short,” Mr Marshall says.

“Road safety matters. The country’s road toll is very poor by developed nation standards, and our fleet is the second-oldest in the OECD.”

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.

“Not only do we have high failure rates, but we evidently also do a poor job enforcing the laws we already have,” Mr Marshall says.

MTA says mileage could play a role in inspection frequency and with the ongoing drive for universal RUC, it would make sense to consider linking the two projects. 

“The concept of reducing unnecessary regulatory burden is sound – so let’s work on this together.  MTA members collectively perform millions of WoF a year, so they get to see what really goes on.”

MTA has engaged with this Government on a wide range of issues and looks forward to collaborating on the WoF proposal.