Slow progress for tyre law

But the earliest a law change could be enforced is 2010.

A coroner's report solely blames snow tyres fitted to the rear of Palmerston North's Sandy Raemaki's used Japanese import for her fatal car crash on Opiki Road last October.

Coroner Carla na Nagara called for "legislative changes so warrant of fitnesses are not issued to vehicles fitted with a combination of snow and standard/conventional tyres".

Land Transport New Zealand is recommending snow tyres are removed from imports on arrival and warrant of fitness tests will ensure all tyres have matching tread patterns, spokesperson Andy Knackstedt said.

Completely banning snow tyres was not the answer because there are situations when the tyres are appropriate, he said.

It has taken several months to come to this conclusion.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is standing by its call to rid roads of these tyres after a series of fatal accidents were caused or contributed to by mixing snow and standard tyres, spokesperson Andy Cuming said.

LTNZ has not gone far enough in its recommendation, he said.

"Anything other than a complete ban would be a dangerous compromise.

"There can be a tragic delay between the incorrect fitting of mismatched tyres, and the vehicles next WOF check, and it is for this reason we are insisting imported used snow tyres be completely banned," Mr Cuming said.

At least three people died on Manawatu roads last year from this fatal tyre combination.

- © Fairfax NZ News