Warning over transport policies

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) has given the government a pass in its latest warrant of fitness (WOF) inspection but is warning of potential issues with policies affecting the automotive sector in the year ahead.

The coalition scored passes for workplace training, education, immigration, crime and infrastructure to achieve “an overall positive review”.

However, the MTA’s latest six-monthly performance check on the government brought “fail” ratings on road safety and the economy.

“The government sails smoothly out of the workshop this review,” the MTA says in its WOF assessment.

“Big gains in education and immigration highlight this inspection, and while there’s work to be done, there’s no doubt the government has made considerable progress in key areas.”

Plans announced by Erica Stanford, Minister of Education and Immigration, to give trades more weight in the school curriculum and make changes to immigration settings have earned the approval of MTA and industry.

However, the association warns the government’s review of driver licensing and the WOF regime, while needed, “could yet end in disaster unless industry is listened to”.

“Some of the proposed changes are left field and a surprise to those on the front line. Consultation must be more than box-ticking,” it adds.

“The priority for both must be safety, safety, safety.”

The MTA has taken billboard space in direct line of sight from the Beehive to promote its latest assessment of ministers’ actions and to ensure it will be seen by the government. 

The WOF also concludes with one final piece of cautionary advice for politicians: “While the government looks good 12 months out from the election, potholes and pitfalls could lie ahead.”