The AA is backing the staggered change to warrant of fitness checks on vehicles which are tipped to save motorists up to $160 million a year.
The government, which approved the changes in January, has announced a two-stage process to introduce them.
* From January 1 next year light vehicles first registered between 2004 and 2008 will have an annual WOF check instead of the current six-monthly inspection.
* From July 1 next year annual inspections will be extended to include all light vehicles first registered on or after January 1 2000.
* From July 1 next year new vehicles will receive an initial inspection, another when they’re three years old, then annual inspections for their lifetime.
* Vehicles first registered before January 1 2000 will remain on six-monthly inspections for their lifetime.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says motorists will not have to do anything differently.
“When they take their vehicle in for inspection at its next due date, the inspection agent will assign the appropriate date for its subsequent inspection.”
The Automobile Association says the phasing in of the changes, which they estimate will save motorists $160m annually, will allow the industry to adjust and give time for drivers to understand the changes.
Its principal motoring policy adviser Mark Stockdale says the reduction in testing frequency brings New Zealand closer to international best practice.
“The six monthly inspection regime has no measurable impact on the number of crashes and has not kept pace with improvements in vehicle technology, reliability and safety,” he said.
The Motor Trade Association, which opposed the change in frequency, said the government was right to delay its introduction until next year rather than rush to bring it in in the final quarter of 2013.
“It’s pleasing to see that government has listened to industry’s concerns. This will benefit all parties, making it easier for industry and motorists to digest,” MTA spokesman Dougal Morrison.
This article was originally posted on MSN News