Mistake over car levies
Officials at ACC are trying to sort out a blunder with its new system based on vehicles’ safety ratings ahead of changes coming into place on July 1. It has been reported the issue may affect up to 15,000 motorists and the mistake has come about due to errors in data. RELATED: Used imports hit by blunder The ACC component in annual vehicle licensing for all cars is being reduced at the start of next month and its new rating system means owners of what are categorised are the most-safe vehicles will pay less than those who drive the least safe. There are already some issues with the levy bands for some cars, but the latest issue has come about because ACC’ssystem has ignored sub-models, which means they have defaulted to higher rates. The error has apparently arisen because the corporations’s computer system was unable to recognise safer “sub-species”. For example, it has classed the Corolla Spacio as the lower-rated Corolla. The difference has resulted in owners of 2007 Spacios being charged $103.46 in rego instead of $68.46. Other makes and models are also thought to be affected. A spokesman for ACC says the corporation is working with the NZTA to contact owners affected who have already paid their fees and to organise refunds. It is unclear how exactly how many car owners are affected, but ACC helpline staff on 0800-222-776should be able to help. “This issue is being fixed urgently,” says a spokesperson. “ACC apologises to customers affected for any inconvenience.”