Scrap vehicles to win

The Ministry of Transport is offering motorists in Christchurch and Wellington instant rewards when they scrap unwanted vehicles. Participating vehicle recyclers will also be giving these motorists the chance to win a brand new Toyota Corolla.

It’s all part of the Ministry of Transport and NZ Transport Agency’s scrappage trial designed to take old cars off the road.

The project will target vehicles that are nearing the end of their working life and will support research on the best ways of encouraging older vehicles out of the fleet.

“The average age of our light vehicle fleet is 12 years — one of the oldest average ages in the OECD. These vehicles usually lack the safety and environmental benefits of newer vehicles,” said David Crawford, Ministry of Transport, General Manager Land Transport Environment and Safety.

“Owning an extra unwanted car costs money and is harmful to the environment. By getting rid of it sooner rather than later, you avoid the expense of further licensing and WOF costs.”

Participants in Christchurch can trade in their car for a Metro Card loaded with $250. Those in Wellington will receive a Snapper Card loaded with $250. Trade Me and participating radio stations are offering extra incentives. Participants in both cities will go in the draw to win a brand new Toyota Corolla diesel car.

The trial will run for four weeks but only the first 150 vehicles scrapped at Metalcorp Ltd, Christchurch or Wellington Scrap Metals will receive the topped up public transport cards. All vehicles meeting the trial criteria that are scrapped at these two scrap yards throughout the month of May can go in into the draw to win the car.

Scrapped vehicles will undergo a short safety check and VTNZ (Vehicle Testing New Zealand) will test the emissions to help us find out more about the types of vehicles being scrapped. Owners will also be asked to fill out a survey about why they have chosen to get rid of their car.

The project has been developed by the Ministry of Transport with the NZ Transport Agency to build on the findings of a pilot scrappage scheme held in Auckland in 2007.

For more information, visit www.transport.govt.nz/recycleyourride/.