Safer Rental Vehicles Thwarted by Government – NZ First

New Zealanders are being denied the chance to have safer rental vehicles on the nation’s roads by the government and associate transport minister, says New Zealand First.

Associate Minister Craig Foss is not telling the truth when he claimed in the House last week only the latest BMWs and European cars over $100,000 could be rented out in New Zealand if the Australasian New Car Safety Rating was adopted here, says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Transport, Denis O’Rourke.

“He’s got too attached to being chauffeured around in his ministerial BMW.

“The fact is mid-range and very affordable cars, such as the Ford Mondeo, already have the safety rating and are being hired out by New Zealand rental car companies.

“This is the same safety rating New Zealand First’s Land Transport (Tourist Driver Rental Vehicle) Amendment Bill wants to have introduced in this country.

“For Mr Foss to claim costs will rise for people renting vehicles in New Zealand if the safety rating was made compulsory is ludicrous.

“His government’s attitude is blocking the opportunity to have all rental vehicles on our roads being made safer.

“As a result rental vehicles are not required to have such vitally important safety features as a lane-support system that alerts drivers if they stray from the correct lane.

“This one measure alone would help prevent lives being lost on our roads.

“Tragically because of the government’s refusal to support our bill and with it, the implementation of the Australasian New Car Assessment 5-star Safety Rating, people are being seriously injured and killed on our roads. This is appalling.”

ENDS

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