VTNZ closures put a brake on motorists, the army and farmers

“The proposed halving of Vehicle Testing New Zealand’s (VTNZ) Certificate of Fitness (CoF) offsite testing stations throughout New Zealand, will increase traffic congestion and negatively impact the rural economy,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers transport spokesperson.

“With VTNZ proposing to close 54 of its 127 CoF offsite testing stations, farmers and rural industries will be forced to drive some distance to get a CoF. That’s more time on their trucks and tractors and far less time on the farm.

"With both Linton and Waiouru slated for closure, there will be 'armies' of people on our roads as even military vehicles will be forced into town to get a CoF.

“I also fear for volunteer organisations like the rural fire service. They will have to travel long distances to get a CoF and this reduces their availability for emergency callouts. That’s a big concern.

“We also see this proposal annoying ordinary motorists too. By law, heavy agricultural vehicles cannot exceed 30km/h, so imagine what that will do for road safety.

“This proposal will also have a major impact upon larger trucking firms and dairy companies, as they currently undertake offsite testing under license from VTNZ.

“If these in-house facilities are forced to close, a lot of trucks and trailer units will, like the army, be forced into the larger towns.

“Whatever way you look at it, it’s not good for the economy, other road users or the environment.

“This decision is dumb but presented by VTNZ as safety related. We don’t buy that for one moment and challenge VTNZ to show us how this will make rural roads safer.

“This proposal is all about saving VTNZ money at a greater cost to the wider economy.

“Federated Farmers is submitting against the proposal and will raise this with the Ministers of Agriculture and Transport. VTNZ and its parent, the Motor Trade Association, must be reminded about what its core function is,” Mr Aubrey concluded.