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NEWS
Victorian government censured for roadworthy certificate proposal
Cost-cutting changes to roadworthy certification could compromise road safety, say criticsThe Victorian government is considering cost-saving changes to roadworthy requirements, but critics have lashed out, arguing road safety must come first.
Three possible options that will potentially streamline the system while slashing costs are being examined. These include removing the need for a roadworthy certificate (RWC) on the sale of a used vehicle less than three years old, including the first option and introducing a less comprehensive roadworthy safety check and bumping out the period in which a RWC would not apply to vehicles up to five years old.
The Victorian treasurer, Michael O'Brien, said the proposal would not extend to taxis, hire cars or buses. The argument is that the proposed changes could represent annual savings of as much as $73 million.
Although O'Brien says that differing state-to-state roadworthy systems do not show significant differences in defect-related crashes, a number of authorities have criticised the proposal, saying road safety would be adversely affected.
In his criticism of the proposals, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association's (AAAA) executive director Stuart Charity said: "It is hypocritical for VicRoads to propose measures that increase road safety risk given their mission to 'implement road safety strategies'.
"VicRoads claims its reform will be 'more aligned with the road safety risks' and be 'better balanced between safety outcomes and the costs to owners and businesses'. But this reform will not reduce the number of defective vehicles on the road" he said.
The Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia (SAE), joining the AAAA and VACC also called for evidence to support the proposals.
SAE-A President and GM Holden lead technical specialist Adrian Feeney said the Society supports initiatives that improve vehicle safety.
"The SAE-A would welcome a roadworthy certification program that reduced complexity where possible. However, cost saving and convenience should not come at the risk of reduced safety standards on our roads," he said.
Although new vehicles typically come with three to five years warranty and owners tend to service regularly, increasing the likelihood that any safety issues with newer vehicles still under warranty may be identified and remedied during routine servicing, SAE-A Director Allen Saylav said: "Service standards cannot be aligned with roadworthy safety specifications.
"Many new vehicles also accumulate high kilometres in a short period. For example, private vehicles used for long commutes to work or holiday locations – and commercial vehicles used for the sale or distribution of goods.
"These hard working vehicles experience wear and tear to roadworthy items such as windscreens, tyres, brakes and other items."
The SAE says more evidence is required to support the options favoured by VicRoads, also suggesting state-by-state conformity would be of national benefit.
Adrian Feeney said "The SAE-A will join other stakeholders in making a submission to VicRoads about changes to the Victorian roadworthy certification process.
"The Society also believes that the same standards for vehicle roadworthiness should be applied nationally.
"There is no reason why vehicle safety standards should vary from one side of a state border to another.
"Harmonisation of regulations will reduce costs for business," he said.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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