Counting the cost of WOF plans
Vehicle owners are being encouraged to consider the financial impact of changing the warrant of fitness (WOF) regime and to have their say on government proposals to alter the frequency of such inspections.
The plea comes from the Motor Trade Association (MTA), which warns the cost of the planned reforms might be higher than some people think.
It is publishing a full-page letter in newspapers this week raising issues about the review of light-vehicle inspections and urging people to make submissions.
Lee Marshall, pictured, chief executive, says the government’s calculations overlook some key factors.
“These changes are presented as a cost-of-living saving for Kiwis,” he adds.
“And yes, under the proposed changes, around 20 per cent 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.”
A review of the WOF and certificate of fitness (COF) system by the coalition, which was announced in late October, makes a number of proposals.
These include the first WOF for new vehicles being issued for four years instead of three, and vehicles aged four to 10 years old shifting from annual inspections to having them every two years.
Under the plans, vehicles over 10 years old would require a WOF every year. Currently, vehicles made before 2000 need to be inspected every six months.
As for light rental vehicles under five years old, the frequency of obtaining a COF A would move from every six months to yearly.
A discussion document about the proposals has been published at the NZTA’s consultation hub and the last day for feedback is December 17.
The MTA says it wants the change process slowed down and for the government to work more closely with organisations and businesses involved with inspections.
“The time given to consult is unreasonably short,” says Marshall.
“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.”
He notes the failure rate for WOFs is 41 per cent and at any given time there are more than 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.”
The MTA suggests mileage rather than age could play a role in inspection frequency, and with officials pushing for universal RUC it says 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 WOFs a year, so they get to see what really goes on,” continues Marshall.
