Towbar safety issues anger

HOLIDAYMAKERS, tradies, businesses and boaties are facing expensive logistical nightmares as the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) clamps down on safety fears surrounding towbars.

Nearly 1500 heavy-vehicle drivers, including motorhome owners, have been told they must have their towbars recertified amid concerns stemming from now-suspended certifier Patrick Chu, who allegedly ticked off non-compliant work for certificates of fitness (CoF).

To rub salt into the wound, the affected people have been told they will not get a payout from the agency – and with towbar certification work costing up to $800, businesses and drivers say the agency has dropped them in it at the worst time of the year.

Taranaki man Phillip Dravitski paid $1000 for the towbar on his motorhome to be recertified, only to be told there was nothing wrong with it.

‘‘When (NZTA) rang I said what happens if I’ve just finished work on Friday and I’m up the North Island with a boat?’’ Dravitski said. ‘‘She said I would have had to leave the boat on the side of the road.’’

It was the agency’s duty to pay back customers, he said. ‘‘You are supposed to monitor the certifier. You failed and now you make it your problem with the cost.’’

The NZTA says safety was its primary concern, and that customers should seek reinspection costs from their provider, or from Chu directly. Chu’s insurance should cover the cost, an NZTA spokesperson said. In a statement to customers in December it acknowledged it was a ‘‘difficult time’’ for drivers.

The safety alert was issued just days before Christmas, after the Auckland-based Chu was alleged to have certified noncompliant towbars on heavy vehicles. He disputes the claims but has been suspended. Vehicle owners were told the bars could not be used until they were recertified, but some drivers have only got the message during the past few weeks.

Joanne Ninkie said she did not receive a letter about the issue until late-January. That

‘People are cranky because they’ve already paid. Why should they pay again?’ SHIRLEY ARO