The Automobile Association (AA) is disappointed with the government’s decision to scrap ACC’s Vehicle Risk Rating scheme.
Scrapping the scheme is a backwards step when the road toll is rising, AA principal advisor – regulations, Mark Stockdale says.
“Improving the safety of the vehicle fleet is acknowledged as a key action to improve New Zealand’s road safety, and much more needs to be done to promote vehicle safety to Kiwis.
“This is why the AA wants the government to mandate the display of safety ratings at the point of sale – something the Vehicle Risk Ratings could have been used for.
“While Vehicle Risk Rating has only been in place for a few years, it has helped raise public awareness about vehicle safety and was a way to incentivise New Zealanders to make safer choices when purchasing cars.”
The system helped educate motorists that not all cars are equal in safety, he says.
“Some old cars worth just a few thousand dollars are rated Band 3 or 4 (the safest), while some late-model cars rate poorly.
“The annual licence renewal serves as a reminder of the safety rating and may promote thinking about relative safety ratings.”
Also, Stockdale says as a result of scrapping Vehicle Risk Rating, the annual motor vehicle levy for 65% of car owners will increase.
Levies for 38% of cars currently in the safest band will rise $28 – more than double the ACC levy they currently pay.
