Early detection of possible brake maintenance issues in heavy vehicles is at the forefront of a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency change to the vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) for Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspectors.
Making the process for minor and straightforward repairs quicker and cheaper for heavy vehicle owners is now part of the industry’s official vehicle inspection manual thanks to collaboration between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the heavy vehicle industry.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is moving to the next phase of sustained engagement with the entry certification and border inspection industry as applications have opened for new appointments and reappointments within the industry.
The NZ Transport Agency says work is well underway to address the findings of the Ministry of Transport’s review of the Agency’s regulatory capability and performance, commissioned by the Minister of Transport in October 2018 and published today.
After carefully considering feedback and submissions from industry and the public, the NZ Transport Agency has decided to retain its existing conflicts of interest policy for vehicle entry certification, and strengthen its assurance and auditing programme.
The NZ Transport Agency has completed the first phase of its Regulatory Compliance Review, clearing the original backlog of 850 open compliance cases and significantly improving its internal processes.
Following an ongoing investigation into ex-heavy vehicle specialist certifier Patrick Chu of Transport and Structure Limited, the NZ Transport Agency has immediately revoked the certifications of around 300 drawbars and drawbeams on heavy vehicles and trailers.
Regulatory Compliance Lead Steve Haszard says the NZ Transport Agency is making huge progress in addressing areas of non-compliance identified in its recent review.
The Board of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has welcomed the findings – and unreservedly accepted all recommendations – made by Kristy McDonald QC in her Report entitled “Independent Inquiry into NZTA’s Performance in Relation to Dargaville Diesel Specialists (DDS)” (“the Report”) which has been publicly released today.
The NZ Transport Agency has agreed to cover the costs of recertifications and repairs for vehicle owners affected by the revocation of towbars certified by suspended Heavy Vehicle Specialist Certifier Patrick Chu.
The NZ Transport Agency has extended the expiry date of all unused vouchers provided to the owners of vehicles previously inspected by suspended WoF providers, and is strongly encouraging them to get their vehicle’s Warrant of Fitness (WOF) rechecked free of charge.
Following an ongoing specialist investigation, the NZ Transport Agency has issued a Safety Alert advising that it has revoked the certifications for tow bars on more than 1,400 heavy vehicles. These include small trucks, tipper trucks, motorhomes and goods’ vans certified by Auckland-based heavy vehicle specialist certifier Patrick Chu of Transport and Structure Limited.
The NZ Transport Agency has issued a safety alert strongly advising heavy vehicle operators to be vigilant in cleaning and checking towing connections and components certified by Auckland-based heavy vehicle specialist certifier Patrick Chu (Transport & Structure Ltd).
