Guilty of odo tampering

The NZTA has welcomed the sentencing of a man on three charges of wilfully tampering with odometers to avoid paying $15,000 of road-user charges (RUC).

Keshwar Prasad’s application for a discharge without conviction was opposed by the agency and he received a $6,500 fine in addition to having to pay the outstanding RUC.

Investigations by the NZTA showed Prasad, who was sentenced at Auckland District Court this month, tampered with odometer readings on three vehicles.

Brett Aldridge, national manager of road-safety regulation, says the NZTA enforces the rules to ensure everyone pays their fair share of RUC.

“Aside from the illegality of odometer tampering to avoid paying RUC, an odometer that doesn’t accurately show the distance a vehicle has travelled is also safety issue,” he adds.

“Service checks and repairs may not be carried out at the required intervals, and mechanical and safety issues not picked up.

“We’re committed to keeping New Zealand roads safe for everyone. This sentencing should serve as a deterrent to others of the consequences of not playing by the rules. 

“We’re actively monitoring and enforcing RUC requirements, and we will not hesitate to take action when we find non-compliance.”