Govt's WOF extension ends, mechanics expected to be overloaded

Drivers are being warned mechanics are going to be busy as Kiwis rush to get their vehicles checked.

The Government's warrant of fitness (WOF) extension given at the beginning of the March COVID-19 lockdown ends on Saturday.

Motor Trade Association spokesperson Greig Epps is urging drivers to ensure their cars are safe, saying WOFs are extremely important.

"It is that point in time check just to confirm that your vehicle is up to standard and that it is still good to drive on the road," he told Newshub.

But as Kiwis rush to meet the deadline, Epps is forecasting mechanics are going to be overloaded with work.

"They will do as much as they can to get these inspections performed but you have to understand that these are human beings who are working as hard as they can."

He warned complacency won't be accepted.

"The authorities are going to start cracking down again, tickets will start flowing if you are caught with an expired warrant."

A spokesperson for the police confirmed they will return to their standard procedures.

On Friday, the general manager of AA motoring services Jonathan Sergel told The AM Show he was worried about unchecked cars.

"I mean the warrant of fitness is an independent safety assessment of your vehicle, it's not just a piece of paper. The concern is there are a bunch of unsafe vehicles driving around on New Zealand roads."

He said many New Zealanders use the WOF as their default safety test so he urged Kiwis to get their vehicles checked.