NZTA decision to fund re-certifications ‘only fair outcome’

NZTA decision to fund re-certifications ‘only fair outcome’

The Road Transport Forum has welcomed the NZTA decision to cover the costs of tow bars that have to be recertified involving Auckland engineer Patrick Chu.

“I think most people would agree that it is unfair for road transport operators to cover costs of recertification of their towing equipment. There is no fault on the side of these operators and they shouldn’t have had to pay twice. We had advocated to NZTA they should fund this work and we are very pleased that they have now agreed to do so,” says RTF Chief Executive Nick Leggett.

NZTA had previously said that tow bars which were certified by Patrick Chu have to be recertified at the owners' expense. Operators have had towing equipment signed off by a registered certifier only to find out later that those certifications would be revoked. NZTA had set the precedent by funding similar recertification works in the South Island involving engineer Peter Wastney.

“We struggled to see how this was a reasonable situation in light of the agency’s earlier decisions in other areas.”

Nick Leggett said that this had likely caused significant disruption for businesses forced to remove vehicles from the road and has therefore cost them a lot of money.

“The Road Transport industry believes the outcome is fair and congratulates NZTA for their change of position.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media