Mechanic not charged after issuing 1500 dodgy WoFs

A mechanic based in west Auckland has not been charged after issuing just under 1500 vehicles with Warrant of Fitness (WoF) certificates that were later revoked due to safety concerns.

Waka Kotahi launched an investigation into Westcity Mechanical & Tyres operations which found that cars were not being kept onsite long enough for a full inspection to be carried out, reports Stuff.

“All vehicles observed were issued WoF passes or pass-rechecks but were not on site long enough for an inspection to have been properly completed,” the transport agency said.

A total of 1469 dodgy warrants were issued by the mechanic shop between 1 October 2022 and 21 April 2023.

The business was then stripped of its ability to issue WoFs and had all of its labels removed from the property.

However, the mechanic responsible was not charged and the police aren’t involved.

Owners of vehicles that had their warrants revoked are also outraged that nothing has been done, asking Waka Kotahi to reimburse them for the cost.

The transport agency says that it is not responsible for the cost incurred by the vehicle owners.