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I understand after reading several articles on various websites that the radiation in Japan is much worse and more widespread than first stated. My question is therefore are all cars from Japan, or other countries using parts sourced in Japan, being checked for their radiation levels and if not why not? I would be totally ignored as I am a nobody but the A.A. has a lot more clout and can't be ignored.

Below is NZTA Media Release dated 5th April 2011.

No need for concern over Japanese vehicle imports

The NZ Transport Agency says it is confident that relatively small number of vehicles imported from the area around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011 will not be contaminated with radioactive material.

NZTA National Manager Vehicles Don Hutchinson says the Japanese authorities have been monitoring machinery, including vehicles, for any signs of contamination and there are strict controls in place preventing any contaminated goods leaving the ports.

As well, the National Radiation Laboratory in New Zealand has been closely monitoring the situation along with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and advise that radiation contamination is unlikely to pose any health risks.

Mr Hutchinson said, “given the checks put in place by other agencies, NZTA does not plan to introduce any specific screening for radiation on imported vehicles. The industry and potential vehicle buyers here can be assured that the appropriate controls and checks are already in place so that it would be highly unlikely that any imported vehicle would pose a potential health risk.”

He says the situation will continue to be monitored.

The NZTA has been advised that any minute traces of radioactivity found in dust can be removed by washing the vehicle. He said. “All vehicles leaving Japanese ports undergo a rigorous pre-cleaning process as part of the existing bio-security checks he said”.

Mr Hutchinson said. “NZTA already have in place a robust border inspection process that assesses vehicle structure and water damage to ensure that any repairs are carried out and certified prior to the vehicle being registered for use on NZ roads”

Hi Jack, thanks for your reply however I have sent you an e-mail with a link which explains the reason for my concern especially as the report quoted is several months old.