MOTOR-CAR TESTS

Southland Times, Issue 23152, 19 March 1937, Page 4

MOTOR-CAR TESTS

GARAGE OWNERS’ METHODS UNNECESSARY REPAIRS ALLEGED (Special to The Times) AUCKLAND, March 18. Under the guise of testing motorcars in compliance with the new regulations some garage proprietors are alleged to be taking advantage of their position as agents appointed to grant certificates of fitness and are suggesting repairs and work on vehicles that do not come under the general heading of tests. Cases have been reported where motorists have been faced with excessive accounts for certain unrequired repairs on the threat of being refused a warrant. The mechanical standard of a vehicle is not among the features of the tests that might condemn it.

A driver left his car at one garage to be tested, and was told when he returned for it that its cylinder block would require to be rebored before a certificate could be granted. The sum of £l5 was quoted for the work and, becoming wary, the owner made inquiries. He had been led to believe that compulsion could be brought to bear on him to have the work done, but he found this to be incorrect. Another motorist was refused a certificate until he had a number of minor mechanical defects righted. He was told the work would cost him £3, but he refused to consent to the order of the garage agent Taking his car elsewhere to be tested he obtained a warrant of fitness without difficulty. Commenting on the position the secretary of the Automobile Association (Auckland), Mr G. W. Hutchison, expressed the opinion that none of the garages was intentionally attempting to victimize motorists. No universal instructions had been given to them by their association, and it was lack of knowledge of the requirements more than anything else that was a basis of most of the trouble. Mr Hutchison added that he had submitted to the Minister of Transport (the Hon. R. Semple) a number of complaints that had been addressed to the Automobile Association by ipotorists. A promise had been made that a ministerial statement on the matter would be issued within a few days.