‘Sensible changes’ planned to Clean Car plan

A number of “sensible changes” are planned to the Land Transport (Clean Vehicles) Amendment Bill during the committee stage based on feedback from the industry and disability advocates, transport minister Michael Wood says.

“The supporting regulations are being finalised and will be in place for the April 1 commencement of the full scheme,” he explains, with the Bill passing its second reading.

“I’m considering final advice from officials, as well as feedback from the sector before confirming them,” Wood adds.

He says changes being considered include:

•             Disability vehicles that have a modification that are issued a ‘LV3A’ or ‘LV3B’ certificate through the Low Volume Vehicle process prior to being registered will be excluded from paying charges under the Clean Car Discount;

•             Scratch-built vehicles certified through the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated’s processes will be excluded from Clean Car Discount and the Clean Car Standard;

•             Motor sport vehicles, as defined in the Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact 2001, will be excluded from the Clean Car Standard and the Clean Car Discount;

•             Any vehicle that is imported and converted to zero emissions before it is entry certified can be treated as though it was manufactured as a zero-emission vehicle for the purposes of the Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount.

The single broad policy is to achieve a rapid reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from light vehicles imported into New Zealand by increasing the supply and variety of zero and low-emissions vehicles, increasing demand for them, and informing New Zealanders about vehicle emissions levels and rebates receivable or charges payable in relation to light vehicles.

The VIA’s David Vinsen believes the Government is still “hopelessly ill prepared” for an April 1 start and wonders whether charges for used cars have been increased without their consultation.

Wood’s office did not respond directly to the last point, Wood saying he is confident the legislation will be in place by April 1 and that changes are continuing.

“I thank the industry and everyone else who submitted on the Bill.”