MPs attack proposed car legislation

Opposition MPs have stepped up their fight against planned legislation to frontal-impact car standards that could increase the costs of imported used cars by up to $4000 and save fewer than five lives a year.

Under the changes proposed by Transport Minister Mark Gosche, only vehicles which met approved frontal-impact standards could be registered for New Zealand's roads from April.

MPs said the legislation would hit low-income New Zealanders, resulting in some older cars staying on roads longer and costing lives.

But Mr Gosche said it was estimated the changes would, over 18 years, save 85 lives.