Vehicle Fitness Tests

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30666, 4 February 1965, Page 1

Vehicle Fitness Tests

For administrative reasons it was considered impracticable to have regard to the age and annual mileage of vehicles in a compulsory inspection scheme based on a uniform period of time, said the Commissioner of Transport (Mr R. J. Polaschek) in reply to a correspondent, Varian J. Wilson. The mileage covered by vehicles could vary widely, and a new vehicle used for business purposes could travel the same distance in 12 months as many private cars would travel in 10 years. Generally it was considered that the pre-

sent system was the most practicable. The correspondent said: “Few accidents can be attributed solely to mechanical failures, although these are often advanced as excuses. Current warrants of fitness are no guarantee that brakes, tyres, and steering have not deteriorated. Accidents arising from such causes usually imply carelessness on the part of drivers who hope for the best with defective equipment. Localbody testing stations are generally good, but standards vary from city to city and from time to time. Annual warrants should be sufficient for cars up to three years old, allowing a better service and fewer delays. Crashes involving wheels or chassis, capsizes and all damage above a certain value as reported by insurance companies should require cancellation

of warrants of fitness. At present, insurance companies discourage re-examination for warrants even after serious accidents.”

It was realised that the mechanical condition of vehicles deteriorated with use, and this was the reason why all vehicles in this country were subject to a periodic inspection, Mr Polachek said.

Although the driver was responsible for seeing that the vehicle was maintained in a satisfactory condition at all times, the inspection scheme ensured that all vehicles were brought up to the required standard every six months. “In regard to vehicles which have been involved in serious accidents, owners should require a new warrant of fitness where this has not been supplied after the car has been repaired, to verify that it is in a satisfactory condition,” said Mr Polaschek.