Inconsistent defect notices and inspection policies must be fixed in the new truck laws.

The ATA’s submission on vehicle standards and safety to the national truck law review calls for major reform to inspection policies and vehicle defect notice process, and believes the new laws should:

• Deliver enforceable standards that set out a consistent approach to defect notices and how they can be cleared
• Take a risk-based approach that allows minor defects to be addressed by formal warnings, on the spot repairs and self-clearing processes
• Provide a review mechanism for defect notices issued in error or that are inconsistent with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) inspection and roadworthiness manuals, and
• Deliver consistent and proportionate roadworthiness inspections.

The ATA’s submission also calls for for the new laws to recognise the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s role as a national standard setting body and require it to comply with best practice regulation and consultation requirements. 

The ATA believes the new laws must adopt a risk-based approach to heavy vehicle modifications and include third-party maintenance providers as parties in the chain of responsibility.

Read the submission below.