New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi slammed the brakes on dangerous modifications – after a vehicle was found with its pedals replaced by wooden blocks.
The discovery was made during a Warrant of Fitness inspection.
“When you need to stop, these blocks won’t cut it. During a warrant of fitness inspectors check your brake system is working correctly — pedals need to reliably slow and stop the vehicle,” NZTA said on social media today.
“As you can see, this vehicle has had some modifications to the brakes that affect how they’re used, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is a fail.
“It’s important you keep your vehicle well maintained and as safe as it can be. During a WoF, inspectors check everything in your vehicle is working as it should.”
It comes as Waka Kotahi last week issued a warning to motorists planning on wrapping their vehicles in artificial grass.
The van was taken to a VTNZ covered in the fake turf – with just the windshield, wheels, bumper, headlights, and side mirrors left bare.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. A warrant of fitness inspection includes checking for corrosion and damage. Because of that, your vehicle’s body can’t be covered like this — so this is a fail,” NZTA said.
“It’s illegal to use a vehicle if it doesn’t meet WoF requirements.”