Changes to warrant of fitness requirements to be rolled out early next year will bring welcome certainty to the automobile industry, according to motoring agencies.

The Government announced today the planned changes to WoF inspection frequencies will come into force at the start of next year.

Government have confirmed changes to warrant of fitness inspections will begin from January next year.

From 1 January 2014, light vehicles first registered anywhere between 2004 and 2008 will undergo annual rather than six monthly WoF inspections.

From next July, annual inspections will apply for all light vehicles first registered after January 1, 2000. Additionally new vehicles will have an initial inspection before another at the three year mark and annual inspections after.

Motor Trade Association spokesman Dougal Morrison says it is pleasing to see government has listened to industry concerns after initial concerns bringing the date forward put pressure on the officials.

'While there was a desire to introduce these changes as soon as it was possible, a closer review of what the changes actually entail has seen a more considered outcome,” says Dougal.

'This will benefit all parties, making it easier for industry and motorists to digest.”

Transport Agency chief executive Geoff Dangerfield agrees with the announcement saying the changes will not require motorists to do anything different.

'People should take their vehicle in for inspection at its next due date as per usual. Following a successful inspection, the inspector will assign the appropriate date for the vehicle's next inspection," says Geoff.

A $2million public awareness campaign will also be introduced later this year to remind people they are responsible for the safety of their vehicle throughout the year, and there will also be extra police enforcement activities.

'The campaign will aim to remind people they have a responsibility to ensure their vehicle remains roadworthy at all times, not just when it's due for an inspection.”

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says the changes will save New Zealanders $1.8 billion in the next 30 years and extending the inspection frequency encourages motorists to maintain the safety of their vehicles.

'The 1 January start date will provide the sector time to prepare for the changes while also ensuring New Zealanders begin receiving the benefits of the changes as soon as possible,” says Gerry.

From July 1 next year, well-maintained heavy vehicles can also have a certificate of fitness applied from a range of three to 12 months, increased from the present three to nine months, while the default frequency will remain at six months.

Main changes to WoF frequencies:

• annual inspections will be extended to include all light vehicles first registered anywhere on or after 1 January 2000
• new vehicles will receive an initial inspection, another one when they're three years old, then annual inspections for their lifetime
• the extended variable frequency range for certificate of fitness inspections will also get underway. This will see the frequency for certificate of fitness inspections on heavy vehicles expanded to three to 12 months from the current three to nine months.