Rotorua vehicles get a safety TWIRL

Educating drivers about the importance of vehicle safety was the focus of a combined NZ Transport Agency and police inspection in Rotorua this month.

A team of 20 Transport Agency staff and police carried out inspections of cars, vans and other light vehicles on Thursday (September 11) at the Rotokawa compliance station on State Highway 30.

Drivers had a breath test, licences were checked and vehicles were given a TWIRL inspection – Tyres, Windscreen, Indicators, Rust, and Lights.

Of the 571 vehicles stopped, around 20 per cent (119) had some form of defect.

The most common safety issues were lights and indicators that didn’t work, broken windscreens that affected visibility, and bald tyres.

A number of the vehicles had expired registrations and WoFs.

The more serious safety faults received tickets on the spot from police, with others that were less serious were given 14 days to rectify the problem.

Drivers with very minor faults had the matter brought to their attention so they could fix the issue.

Five vehicles with significant safety defects were issued green stickers, meaning they could only be on the road after the defect had been fixed.

Those who were stopped were also given a “Check Your Car” TWIRL safety check flyer and a key ring to measure tyre tread depths.

Transport Agency Access and Use Manager for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, David Pearks, said the operation was a chance for the Transport Agency and police to work together to educate drivers about the importance of safety.

“It’s great to be able to connect directly with drivers and raise their awareness about the safety of their own vehicle,” he said.

“ While this inspection showed most drivers keep their vehicle safe, it is concerning that close to a third had some safety concern.

“Alongside the recent changes to WoF inspections, we’re running a Check Your Carpublic awareness campaign to encourage vehicle owners to take an active role in keeping their cars safe.

“It doesn’t take long to give your car a quick safety check, and get it to an expert if you think anything is wrong.”

The joint operation will be repeated in Rotorua in approximately six months’ time, with inspections also planned in the Waikato and other areas of the Bay of Plenty over the coming months.

For more information on the Check Your Car campaign - including how to do a quick “TWIRL” check of your Tyres, Windscreen, Indicators, Rust and Lights, visit the Transport Agency website atwww.nzta.govt.nz/checkyourcar.
ENDS

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