More than 4000 submissions on proposed changes to the country's vehicle testing system were received during the six week public consultation period that ended yesterday.

Associate Transport Minister and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says Government received a huge response to the options presented in the discussion document, receiving a total of 4200 submissions.

Normal submission numbers for public comment to be considered is around 250.

Simon says the response demonstrated how much interest there is in New Zealand's vehicle licensing systems.

'I would like to thank every submitter for their thoughtful and considered views, which will be carefully considered and contribute to the final decision making process.”

The Motor Trade Association released a discussion document in September as part of its Vehicle Licensing Reform proposing changes to the current system that will increase the time between warrant of fitness and certificate of fitness inspections for vehicles.

The four options to be considered are: yearly inspections for vehicles up to 12-years-old and six monthly thereafter; undertaking a first inspection at three years followed by annual checks thereafter; inspecting vehicles based on the distance travelled; inspecting vehicles when they change owners.

All include measures to encourage safe vehicles.

The changes will save motorists up to more than $200million a year.

The MTA says the high level of public interest in Government's Vehicle Licensing Reform reflects the importance many New Zealanders place on achieving appropriate balance between costs, convenience and high levels of road safety.

Part of MTA's approach to the options put forward regarding changes to WoF frequency was to allow public to have their say.

MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach says research carried out earlier in the year indicated high levels of concern about the proposed changes to WoF frequency.

'We wanted to see how deeply those concerns ran. The response from the public was very strong, not just through the channels we created, but via other outlets as well.”

Ian says the scale of comment and participation directed from the discussion document was surprising.

'While our poll was just that, a simple poll, there were some noticeable trends with safety being the prime issue.”

MTA hopes the Government will take into account the high level of interest shown by the public towards WoF frequency and provide a balanced and effective system to benefit all motorists.

MTA has asked Government to consider another round of consultation on preferred options for WoF, Certificate of Fitness, vehicle licensing and transport service licenses.

Independent research about people's attitudes to warrant of fitness inspections, vehicle maintenance and safety, and annual vehicle licensing has also been commissioned and will add to submission information.

Research results and a summary of submissions will be publicly released in the next few weeks.

Final decisions are due by the end of the year.

Information about the Vehicle Licensing Reform can be found on the Ministry of Transport website:

http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/Land/Pages/vehiclelicensingreformconsultation.aspx