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NTC seeks feedback on Australian Road Rules amendment

Retter says harmonising road rules across the states and territories can improve road user safety

 

The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking public feedback on the proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules (ARR).

The feedback will be presented to the transport minister for approval at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in November.

NTC has published a consultation paper, Australian Road Rules 12th Amendment Package Consultation Draft June 2017, explaining the proposed amendments to the ARR and the draft legislative changes.

The changes take into account feedback from consultation with police, road agency representatives from all states and territories, and a federal representative.

Key changes include:

  • new load restraint requirements to improve clarity about legal obligations
  • updating technology-based terminology for rules that govern the use of visual display units and mobile phones
  • new rules that impose restrictions on drivers’ use of ‘bus only’ lanes.

“The proposed changes aim to harmonise the road rules across the states and territories to improve road user safety,” NTC chief executive Paul Retter says.

“For example, in November 2016 transport ministers agreed to pursue a national approach to motorcycle lane filtering which is included in this proposed amendment package.”

Once approved, each state and territory will move to adopt changes by passing legislation to amend local transport laws.

The draft amendments can be found here.

Submissions are open until 5pm on August 11.

For more information, visit the NTC website.

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