The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has immediately suspended vehicle inspector David Watt and his Hamilton-based inspecting organisation David Watt Auto Services.
Non-compliant vehicles may have been given warrants of fitness, and important safety systems such as brakes and tyre tread may not have been checked properly. Watt may have not been undertaking road tests that include several safety checks.
NZTA adds there is a “strong possibility” some vehicles may have been incorrectly passed.
The review raises concerns around the quality of Watt’s inspections, and advises people who have a current warrant of fitness issued from David Watt Auto Services to get their vehicles rechecked.
The NZTA says it will contact around 1700 affected vehicle owners individually as soon as possible about recheck options. Vouchers will be provided.
