RTF is reminding operators to prioritise getting their CoF inspections done as soon as they can, with COVID-19 extensions to vehicle certifications, including CoF expiries, expected to cease from October 10. 

“Recent discussions that RTF has had with certification agents, supported by data analysis, has shown many operators are holding off getting their CoF B renewals – and that is a concern,” says RTF chief executive Nick Leggett. 

Considerable differences between the 2019 and 2020 CoF B expiries shows that the majority fall within the June to December period, showing a distinct downturn in numbers leading up to next month’s extension expiry date.

“If these CoF B inspection renewals all take place at once – assuming that testing agents can even accommodate the increased demand – then the whole situation will simply be duplicated again in April 2021,” Leggett says.

“This could seriously disadvantage operators who cannot get their CoFs done and is something that RTF and testing agents are very keen to avoid.

“In the COVID-19 guidance RTF supplied to the industry during the lockdown we made the point that the six-month grace period and CoF B inspection waiver offered by NZTA had the potential to cause these issues and that operators should look to get on with them as soon as is practically possible.  

“Our advice is that if operators have CoFs due (even though they may fall within the grace period) it’s preferable to book them as soon as possible, rather than waiting until the last minute,” says Leggett. 

“This will hopefully avoid the potential logjam next April.”