Trucking lobby launches survey to inform its submission to a review of the Intelligent Access Program
July 29, 2013
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is turning to the opinions of transport operators to help guide the lobby group’s submission to a review of the Intelligent Access Program (IAP).
The ATA has launched an online survey asking operators about the ease of use and the effectiveness of the monitoring tool, including their dealings with Transport Certification Australia, which administers IAP.
The survey will be open until August 7, and the ATA says responses will be anonymous.
The National Transport Commission (NTC) is running the review, which will evaluate whether IAP has achieved its intended outcomes.
“All operators are encouraged to complete the survey, whether or not you actively use IAP. The ATA will use the survey results in its submission to the NTC,” the ATA says.
The NTC’s review will also look at the application of the IAP as a condition for road access.
Trucking operators in New South Wales and Queensland are required to enrol in IAP to gain access to higher mass limits (HML). IAP is also used in South Australia and Victoria, but both states do not link it to HML access.
NTC Project Director Dr Neil Wong says the review is timely given it has been seven years since transport ministers approved IAP.
“It will be a good opportunity to assess whether the program has met its original objectives,” he says.
A draft evaluation paper is due to be released for public consultation in the first quarter of 2014, followed by an eight week consultation period.
The NTC says feedback received during the consultation period will inform the development of final recommendations to be submitted to transport ministers next year.
The NTC is giving stakeholders until August 15 to provide comments and feedback on their experiences with IAP.
“In addition, the NTC will write to peak industry bodies and governments requesting their input to the draft paper,” the NTC says.