Australian Logistics Council says changing the way road rules and vehicle standards are implemented will improve efficiency and safety
July 29, 2013
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has come out in favour of a push to change how road rules and vehicle standards are implemented.
The ALC says it supports a National Transport Commission (NTC)proposal to move from a model law approach to an applied law system, whereby one state enacts a law which other states and territories adopt in their own jurisdictions.
The NTC last week recommended the switch, saying the current approach has led to cross-border inconsistencies because jurisdictions can vary rules and standards to suit their own needs.
“I am pleased the NTC has recognised the potential safety benefits of having nationally consistent road rules through an applied law approach which would improve efficiency and safety in the heavy vehicle industry,” ALC Managing Director Michel Kilgariff says.
“When transport operators move freight around Australia they are often confronted with inconsistent road rules which can make cross-border driving confusing, and in effect, more dangerous.”
Kilgariff says a more consistent regulatory framework is an important step to improving safety for all road users.
He says inconsistent laws increases the cost of transporting goods across state borders, leading to higher prices for consumers.
“Unnecessary red tape imposed on the freight logistics industry hinders its efforts to improve efficiency, boost productivity and enhance safety,” Kilgariff says.
The NTC says adopting applied law for road rules and vehicle standards will generate savings of up to $72 million over 20 years.
It says governments will pay $3 million to implement applied law into parliaments and a further $8 million to update computer systems and documents.
The NTC’s proposal is open to feedback until September 2. Final recommendations will go to transport ministers later this year to vote on.
