Support for roads plan

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has welcomed the government’s announcement of road-safety objectives for 2024. 

The organisation supports initiatives that prioritise safer roads and safer vehicles, recognising the need to reduce road fatalities and serious injuries across the country.

“Following the shuttering of the poorly implemented Road To Zero programme, the industry has been waiting for clarity on the direction of road-safety strategy,” says Greig Epps, VIA’s chief executive.

The association notes the government’s approach to investing in infrastructure that enhances road safety and an emphasis on improving road design can be significant steps toward reducing the risk of crashes on New Zealand’s highways. 

Epps adds: “We are pleased to see the government’s strong commitment to safer roads. We believe these targeted investments will have a real impact on improving safety for all road users.”

VIA has always encouraged Kiwis to look for the safest and cleanest vehicles in their price ranges. 

“Every year we aim to bring in the least-harmful vehicles so we can progress the overall safety of the fleet,” says Epps. 

“Improving vehicle safety is a shared priority and we’re committed to working with the government to ensure New Zealanders have access to the safest vehicles possible.”

VIA agrees with efforts to increase public awareness of vehicle ratings, such as the used-car safety ratings.

However, it also wants to pursue further research into assessing the total harm from vehicles beyond crashes so consumers and importers can make “fully informed decisions”.

Epps says: “Helping consumers make informed choices about vehicle safety is critical. We fully support the government’s focus on transparent, accessible information for buyers.

“We are committed to continuing our collaboration with the government to achieve shared road-safety goals. We agree with its objectives to make roads safer for all and look forward to working together on these important initiatives.

“VIA believes improving road safety is a responsibility shared across government, industry and road users. As an industry association, we are dedicated to playing our part by supporting safety initiatives, promoting the uptake of safer vehicles and ensuring road safety remains a priority for all New Zealanders.”