Tokoroa Wof agent latest to be suspended

AUCKLAND: Another 1300 vehicles will need to be rechecked, as another inspector has been suspended for noncompliant work.

The NZ Transport Agency has immediately suspended vehicle inspector Brian McEvoy and his inspecting organisation Beemac Motors in Tokoroa.

The suspension notice was served yesterday.

Mr McEvoy is the sole vehicle inspector at Beemac Motors and has a long history of noncompliance, NZTA said in a statement.

Recent reviews of his work identified further noncompliance such as failure to identify corrosion and not properly inspecting steering, driving pedals, the engine and brakes.

NZTA said it would contact all 1316 affected vehicle owners individually, as soon as possible, to advise them on recheck options. Vouchers will be provided to those affected.

‘‘We are unaware of specific concerns relating to individual vehicles, however, due to the poor quality of McEvoy’s inspections there is a possibility that some vehicles may have been incorrectly passed,’’ it said.

The suspension comes as NZTA is under fire after revelations it had not been carrying out its regulatory function properly, resulting in thousands of vehicles having to be retested for warrants of fitness.

In midOctober, the NZTA board and Minister of Transport Phil Twyford announced an extensive review of NZTA compliance files by law firm Meredith Connell was under way and a tougher enforcement regime was being implemented.

The number of dodgy Wofs issued is now 20,000. — NZME