The NZ Transport Agency has suspended two Auckland-based inspecting organisations and one Whangarei-based inspecting organisation from issuing warrants of fitness (WoF).
Manurewa Auto and Tyre Centre, Rosary Limited (trading as Carbine Automotives in Mount Wellington) and A-1 Auto Spares and Repairs in Whangarei have been hit with suspensions.
During a recent site review by NZTA, Nassir Habib, the sole vehicle inspector for Carbine Automotives was found to be incorrectly issuing a WoF to a vehicle with structural damage.
Habib also failed to properly inspect critical vehicle safety systems such as brakes.
Manurewa Auto and Tyre Centre and its vehicle inspector Litesh Gounder were found to be non-compliant in a number of areas.
Most seriously, Gounder admitted to falsifying brake test records and not check braking systems properly.
Due to the concerns around the inspection practices of these vehicle inspectors, there is a strong possibility that some vehicles may have been incorrectly passed, NZTA says.
The two Auckland-based suspensions affect 2607 vehicle owners who will be contacted by NZTA as soon as possible to advise them on recheck options. Vouchers will be provided and will be valid for six months from the date of issue.
“For this reason, we strongly encourage people who have a current Warrant of Fitness issued from either the Manurewa Auto and Tyre Centre or Rosary Limited (trading as Carbine Automotives) to get their vehicles rechecked as soon as possible,” NZTA says.
Meanwhile, vehicle inspector David Gundry and his Whangarei-based inspecting organisation A-1 Auto Spares and Repairs was suspended for issuing WoFs to vehicles with non-compliant modifications and serious rust issues.
NZTA will contact 932 affected vehicle owners as soon as possible to advise them on recheck options. Vouchers will also be provided and will be valid for six months from the date of issue.
