Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has taken another step in strengthening its regulatory oversight with the introduction of defined appointment terms for all new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) Inspecting Organisation (IO) applicants from 1 January 2021.
This decision is a direct response to Kristy McDonald QC’s Independent Inquiry into the performance of the New Zealand Transport Agency in relation to Dargaville Diesel Specialists report that recommended setting standard terms of appointment for IOs and Vehicle Inspectors (VIs).
Standard terms of appointment have already been put in place for VIs and, from 1 January, new IO applicants will now be subject to appointments of up to five years.
“Waka Kotahi has been working hard to strengthen its regulatory oversight and lift the capability across the vehicle inspection sector,” Sue Hardiman, Senior Manager, Vehicle and Driver Licensing says.
“This will ensure we are improving safety outcomes and reducing harm, and allows a consistent, firm and fair regulatory approach to parties authorised by Waka Kotahi to carry out these inspections.
“The new approach will assist in lifting the capability of new IO applicants and ensure we can closely monitor and evaluate the performance of our delegated agents to ensure that they effectively represent Waka Kotahi when carrying out their regulatory responsibilities.”
Consideration will be given to impose shorter terms of appointment for the IOs based on the assessment of the risk with the longest term being five years.
“Waka Kotahi is committed to improving the overall safety of the vehicles on New Zealand’s roads and ensuring the road transport system is safe, effective, efficient and functions well for everyone in New Zealand. Strengthening the oversight of these IOs through defined appointment terms is another way for Waka Kotahi and those we regulate to contribute to a safer land transport system,” Sue Hardiman says.
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