VTNZ

The NZTA Operator Rating System was kicked off in November, meaning that information is now being gathered on your company’s vehicle fleet, for targeted NZTA fleet audits and CVIU Roadside Inspections later this year. It has created a strong demand from heavy vehicle operators for independent assessments outside of the Certificate of Fitness (CoF) inspection, to ensure that vehicles will complete their CoF and CVIU Roadside Inspections without adversely affecting their Operator Rating. This month VTNZ are meeting this demand by launching a Vehicle Condition Assessment service with a menu of Premium, Priority and Brake Performance vehicle condition assessments.

As well as having a major impact on company brand and reputation, published Operator Ratings are expected to affect insurance premiums and local and central government contract success. For heavy vehicle operators to save money and retain important customers it will be critical that vehicles pass their CoF inspection first time and that they will pass roadside inspections and NZTA audits between CoFs. Over time the Government is also expected to bring in incentives for companies with good Operator Ratings and they may target companies with poor Operator Ratings with additional taxes and compliance costs.

VTNZ’s Vehicle Condition Assessments provide a thorough and independent inspection for vehicles at any time so they can be integrated with company maintenance programmes. VTNZ will be able to determine what wouldn’t comply with the CoF standard.  Vehicle Condition Assessments will include advice on preventative maintenance that will save money and enable operators to stay ahead of their competitors. 

To give customers flexibility VTNZ are offering a choice of options. The Premium Vehicle Condition Assessment includes all the items that would be regularly inspected in a CoF inspection plus a check of fluid levels and leaks and general advice on the condition of the vehicle. The Priority Vehicle Condition Assessment is an ideal interim check between CoFs, targeted at the essential safety issues that often result in a CoF or CVIU Roadside Inspection failure such as brake performance, lights, steering and suspension and wheels/tyres. The Brake Performance Vehicle Condition Assessment is a test and record of the performance of the vehicle’s service and park brakes. This is the ‘number one’ safety and compliance issue.

VTNZ’s Vehicle Condition Assessment service is available from selected stations beginning Monday 2 March.