Aucklanders will have to get in quick for old car swap

NZPA Monday, 14 May 2007 Aucklanders who want to swap their old bangers for $400 worth of train and bus tickets will have to get in quick...the trial is limited to 600 cars.
Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard today launched the trial which will run for six weeks or until the vouchers run out.
She said the scheme targeted vehicles that were either unwarranted, would not pass their next warrant, or where the warrant would cost more than the vehicle.
"If you cringe every time your car is due for a warrant of fitness, why not consider trading in your car for $400 worth of bus and rail passes?
"What better way to try public transport than for two months free."
The aim of the trial was reducing dangerous vehicle emissions, improving public health and recycling resources, Ms Tizard said.
Drivers would be able to call a hotline to have their car picked up from anywhere in the city.
Some of the cars would also be given emissions tests to give an idea how the vehicle was performing to get more information about New Zealand's vehicle fleet.
All the cars would be scrapped and recycled.
The trial is supported by the Transport Ministry, Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Transport Authority and the Broken Car Collection Company.
Ms Tizard said the trial was being led by the councils and car recovery company, which would carry the cost.
She said dumped cars were a big problem in many parts of Auckland, with Manukau City Council spending about $2 million a year removing derelict vehicles from streets.
Ms Tizard said she hoped if the scheme proved successful it would be rolled out in other council areas across the country.