Ive sent mine off. Lets see what he has to say....
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Dear Sir
I am writing in complaint about the recently introduced requirement to have IM240 testing carried out on modified vehicles.
I have recently purchased a licensed vehicle from interstate which has been mildy modified. To get the vehicle licensed in Western Australia, I was required to have the vehicle inspected at a DPI licensing centre. The vehicle was found to be roadworthy, but because it had been modified, the inspector asked that I have an IM240 test carried out. To my amazement, I was told there is only a single testing centre and that each test costs $770, pass or fail.
After consulting with the test centre, Kostecki Engine Centre, I was informed that it may cost as much as $4,000 to get my car passed. From reading online forums, and talking to Kostecki, it sounds like even new factory standard cars have been failing the test. Surprisingly, engines or vehicles modified at Kostecki seem to have no trouble passing?
I am all for helping to reduce emissions, but can you tell me why the Western Australia government is knowingly supporting a monopoly? In NSW and Victoria, these tests are carried out by the government for less than $100 per test.
I understand that there are other testing centres attempting to gain accreditation to carry out IM240 testing, but the process is long and drawn out and there may be as long as a one year wait before these centres are operating. In this time, I am sure that Kostecki's prices will escalate.
I urge you to reconsider the IM240 testing requirements until more testing centres are operating and the cost is on par with interstate centres.
If I do not receive a satisfactory response to this email with 14 days, I shall look into lodging a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Kind regards,
Concerned Motor Enthusiast.
