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Police getting money in WOF overhaul

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Police getting money in WOF overhaul

3News NZ

Police will get up to $5 million each year to help them deal with changes to warrant of fitness rules, which will see them taking on more road policing work.

Changes to the rules will see cars registered after 2000 require WOF checks only once a year, rather than six-monthly. But the Government says police will carry out extra enforcement duties to ensure cars are roadworthy.

The Police Association has raised concerns the move would draw police resources away from other work.

But New Zealand Transport Agency chief executive Geoff Dangerfield says police will receive between $2.5 and $5m annually to help with extra road policing.

"We would expect simple roadside checks on the things that matter - and the things that do matter tend to be brakes and lights and tyres," he told a press conference on Monday.

The Automobile Association says changes to the warrant of fitness regime will reduce unnecessary costs for New Zealanders, without compromising safety.

But the Motor Trade Association, which represents mechanics, says the changes may lead to a loss of more than 2000 jobs and could increase costs for motorists.

DogAndLemon.com website editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said dispensing with the system will "inevitably result in more deaths and injuries".

NZN

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Comments

1/02/2013 1:14:41 p.m.

Dave wrote:

At the end of the day, police will continue as they as always done, to check WOF and registrations, to 'Pink Sticker' obviously unsafe cars for mainly illegal lowering, bald tyres, excessive rust, lights not going etc, which mainly involves older or custom altered vehicles. I doubt Police will bother get involved in checks beyond what they have always done, leaving the law abiding majority with vehicles less than 20 years old to get on with their lives with less bureaucratic hassles. Yes, 12mth WOFs are a damn good change to the system, regardless of what the self serving MTA & their paid lacky Greg Murphy have to say.

29/01/2013 10:56:56 p.m.

Paora wrote:

Beep777. Very imaginative. Cops already have the ability to put cars off the road and fine people for substandard cars. An additional 6mths between WOFs won't make a bit of difference except save motorists with newer cars some hassle and a bit of pocket money.

29/01/2013 7:04:35 p.m.

Beep777 wrote:

So all police are qualified mechanics now???. More fines being handed out for cars not up to WOF standard in an unqualified persons view. I dont mean the idiots who drive around with bald tyres and cut springs, they deserve fines,
Im talking about another avenue for revenue collection, like $150 fine for a
brake light bulb out. Leave WOFs alone.

29/01/2013 4:32:03 p.m.

Shane wrote:

The people that let their tyres go bald and brakes wear out etc will continue to do so WOF or not.

What a waste of taxpayer money, how about the politicians tackle some bigger problems.

29/01/2013 2:50:40 p.m.

Paul wrote:

Brilliant idea. Less bureaucracy for a change. The MTA bleating is hollow, grossly exaggerated, self serving and should be taken with a grain of salt. As the AA say, less than .05% of vehicle accidents can be linked to a defect that may have contributed to the incident. Cars older than 20 years which are the biggest risk still retain their 6mth WOF. Only vehicles younger than that will have a WOF check less often.

28/01/2013 7:43:32 p.m.

RA wrote:

Oh but the terrible Tories believe we can save around 1.8 billion over 30years .......... really. Why would they go ahead with this knowing tradesmen will be laid off .

28/01/2013 4:54:15 p.m.

Noel Benson wrote:

Cars etc,yr 2000 on will only require a warrant once a year,what happens 5 years later,the self same car will still be a yr 2000 car,so that will put those cars in the same year frame as the cars that are prior to yr2000.as at middle of next year change over.Too me it is just another bright Idea by manipulated crap.

28/01/2013 3:17:14 p.m.

LBV wrote:

How the hell are the police going to tell if the brakes are at risk at all. They are not mechanics.

28/01/2013 2:03:43 p.m.

typical nats wrote:

Less WOF = more police state. Great.