U-turn on towbar costs welcomed

In a major about-face the New Zealand Transport Agency has agreed to cover the bill – likely to top $1 million – for rechecking more than 1400 towbars following an urgent meeting of the agency board.

Earlier this week three major towbar manufacturers wrote to chairman Michael Stiassny saying it was unfair to make customers pay for the recertification of towbars signed off by suspended heavy vehicle specialist Patrick Chu.

Meredith Connell lawyer Steve Haszard, who is overseeing the agency’s compliance work, said that after reviewing the circumstances of the affected vehicle owners and the impact on associated businesses, the board agreed on Thursday morning to cover the costs, which could amount to between $1m and $1.5m, and would try to recoup this from Chu.

‘‘While the Transport Agency believes the liability of covering the costs lies with Mr Chu, this decision has been made in order to lessen the impact of the revocations on vehicle owners,’’ Haszard said.

‘‘Safety is the NZ Transport Agency’s top priority, which is why the decisions to revoke some certifications have been made.

‘‘We make no apology for putting safety first, but we know that this action has had an unfortunate impact on some businesses and individuals.’’

The agency had previously agreed to meet costs for rechecking the work of another suspended certifier, Peter Wastney. Towbar manufacturer said it was manifestly unfair not to offer this to businesses caught up in the Chu recall.

She welcomed the U-turn by the agency, and the decision was delivered in person by Haszard who flew to Auckland on Thursday afternoon to tell her the news.

‘‘We are really pleased that the NZTA board intervened and that common sense prevailed,’’ Aro said.

‘‘New Zealand is a country of small businesses and nobody wants or needs the stress that we have been through. It is good to have some positive news to tell our customers for a change.’’

Vehicle owners will be provided with details on the refund process for recertifications and repairs next week.

Haszard said the decision to revoke the towbar certifications in December was made following a thorough investigation of Chu’s previous work, which identified potentially serious safety risks.

‘‘We urge vehicle owners to understand the seriousness of this issue. They may continue to operate these vehicles, but for the safety of themselves and other road users they cannot legally use these towbars until they have been recertified and, if necessary, repaired or replaced,’’ Haszard said.

‘‘New Zealand is a country of small businesses and nobody wants or needs the stress that we have been through.’’

Shirley Aro of Aro Bros