Changes ‘timely’ for sector
The Motor Trade Association (MTA) says it supports the government’s focus on reforming transport rules for the benefit of the sector and the public, but warns public safety must not be compromised by any changes.
Chris Bishop, Minister of Transport, has detailed a raft of reforms designed to increase productivity and efficiency through changing a number of New Zealand’s land transport rules.
James McDowall, MTA’s head of advocacy, says it has been actively involved as part of the core group of industry stakeholders engaging with the minister and the Ministry of Transport on the work programme.
“Evaluation of measures that reflect and are fit for purpose for the modern fleet on our roads is timely,” he explains.
“The advent of new technologies, particularly in regard to safety, means many vehicles on our roads are vastly different from those even just 10 years ago.”
The MTA believes the warrant of fitness (WOF) regime is overdue for review, in terms of new and old vehicles.
It notes new vehicles have safety features that do not fit the current inspection template, while there are also 25-year-old vehicles that only need to undergo a WOF check once a year.
“This raises serious questions around safety, and it is appropriate that the review takes WOF frequency into account,” says McDowall, pictured.
“Improving the role of digitalisation also reflects modern trends and overseas experience. Many New Zealanders travelling abroad remark on the lack of stickers on vehicle windscreens. It is time for that conversation here.”
The MTA adds that any overview of regulation that removes “red tape” and improves efficiencies and processes is a win for the transport sector and the traveller.
It describes the seven streams of work put forward by the government as a good example of how changes to rules, often overshadowed by major legislative reforms, can deliver benefits across the system.
“We’re keen to see it progress, particularly given that MTA members carry out the majority of WOF inspections across New Zealand,” continues McDowall.
“We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the government to update and simplify transport rules and regulations.”
