SA gives road train operators registration reprieve

Date: 01.06.2012

South Australian road train operators to receive registration concession from July 1

SA gives road train operators registration reprieve

SA road train operators get rego reprieve

June 1, 2012

South Australian road train operators will receive a concession on registration fees after the state’s government agreed to rethink its stance on heavy vehicle charges.

The government will offer a 100 percent concession on registration charges for all dollies from July 1 in the wake of concerted lobbying from the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA).

The group began door-knocking transport ministers across the country after they voted in March to increase registration charges for road trains by more than 20 percent.

ALRTA President John Beer says the concession means road train operators in regional, rural and remote South Australia will receive $1,100 back for every tandem dolly. The concession will increase to $1,650 for every tri-axle dolly.

"The rural trucking industry is delighted by this decision," Beer says.

"I want to particularly thank the Minister for Transport Pat Conlon. Pat Conlon discussed this issue at length with grassroots operators from regional South Australia and at the national level. He’s worked with us in a most constructive and thoughtful way."

Beer says he was "horrified" by the March decision on heavy vehicle registration fees, which will coincide with an increase in the fuel excise of 2.4 cents per litre.

"The State Government has listened to our concerns that the planned increase was wildly excessive," Beer says.

He says road train operators cannot afford the registration increases, which will push the annual price-tag of keeping a double road train registered to $13,857. A triple road train will cost $16, 607.

"Even with this concession, road train operators will more than pay their own way and will be making a very strong contribution to state revenues," Beer says.

NSW is currently looking at implementing a financial assistance package for small to medium trucking operators, but the government has not detailed what options are being canvassed.