Media Release: 3 October 2012

AA members support less frequent WoF

The majority of AA members support the idea of an annual Warrant of Fitness for vehicles up to 12 years of age, a survey has found.

The survey asked a random sample of AA members a range of questions relating to the vehicle licensing reform proposals currently being considered by the Government.

The results of the questions relating to how often members thought WoF tests should be conducted found most people supported changing the current regime of six-monthly inspections for vehicles aged six and above.

When asked what they thought about all cars only requiring an annual WoF, 71% of AA members supported the idea, 22% opposed it and 7% had no feeling either way.

When asked about the option of an annual WoF for vehicles up to 12 years of age, and then six-monthly for vehicles older than that, the results remained similar with 70% in favour, 20% against and 10% with no feeling either way.

However, when asked how often vehicles over 12 years old should be tested, only 33 per cent of AA members supported an annual inspection for vehicles aged between 12 and 18 years, and 19 per cent supported an annual check for vehicles over 18 years. The majority preferred the status quo of a six-monthly inspection for vehicles in these age brackets.

“This is a really important issue for motorists so we asked several questions about changing the WoF frequency, before and after stating the possible pros and cons,” says AA spokesperson Mark Stockdale.

“The support levels stayed the same every time, with about 70% supporting the idea of cars up to 12 years old only requiring a WoF once a year.”

“Many countries around the world have annual or bi-annual safety inspections and our members have indicated they are in favour of New Zealand following suit.”

86 per cent of members reported their vehicles passed the last WoF inspection first time. The typical AA member pays $36-55 for a WoF (not including any repairs), and spends between 30 minutes and 2 hours travelling to and from and waiting for a WoF.

The AA will take the views of its members into account when preparing its submission on the proposals, as well as ensuring that any changes do not adversely affect road safety.

The AA survey received 1,395 responses with a margin of error of ±2.6%.

• The AA represents over 1.35 million motorists

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