Clean, safe and fair

Reaction to the Clean Car Discount has focused on key problems the Motor Trade Association (MTA) raised with the Climate Change Commission. Affordability and EV supply issues are identified as undermining the commission’s recommendation to the Government that the transition to a decarbonised and climate-resilient country must be spread equitably across society (EV evolution in need of a push, June 15).

However, an important dimension has gone unreported; the unintended consequence of New Zealanders keeping their older, ageing vehicles is that it is likely more of them will suffer death or serious injury on our roads.

MTA’s review of Waka Kotahi NZTA data shows that more than 50% of vehicles over 15 years old fail their WOFs. In the past 10 years the average age of a vehicle involved in a fatal crash with a contributing vehicle factor, like tyres or brakes, was about 13 years old.

Incentivising drivers to dispose of the oldest, dirtiest, and least safe vehicles in the national fleet through a scrappage scheme is, in our opinion, the smart approach.

It also addresses the equity issue as it is poorer New Zealanders who will benefit most from financial support during the transition to cleaner vehicles.

Safer vehicles mean healthier road users, consistent with the Government’s ‘‘Road to Zero’’ and wellbeing objectives.

The road to climate resilience must be clean, safe and equitable.

Craig Pomare, CEO, Motor Trade Association