19 Sep 2012

Warrant of fitness changes considered

7:00 pm on 19 September 2012

The Government is looking at changing the way licensing of vehicles and their warrants of fitness are done to save money.

At present, about $245 million a year is paid in inspection fees and it is estimated the time New Zealanders spend getting warrants of fitness costs about $100 million yearly.

The Government is considering changing the frequency of warrant of fitness testing, depending on the age of the vehicle and possibly the kilometres it has travelled.

But Associate Minister of Transport Simon Bridges says any changes to the system would have to achieve similar safety outcomes or improve on them.

He says the rules for warrants date back to the 1930s and it is time to consider the improved safety of vehicles.

Submissions on the options close at the end of October.