February 2011 - Vehicle Safety & Compliance Certification Scheme
For reasons unknown to most of those affected, the RTA is considering replacing the existing Engineering Certification Scheme (which licenses Engineers for the certification of modified vehicles) with an entirely new scheme called the Vehicle Safety and Compliance Certification Scheme, described on the RTA website here. There is a public consultation phase as detailed here, which ends on February 28th. Many within the industry are concerned with some of the propsals, which could see many of the existing signatories not opting to enter the scheme, resulting in far less Engineers being available to inspect vehicles. An effort is being made to try and prevent the NSW Government ramming this legislation through before the March election.
Engineering signatory Athol Mullen is currently publicising some of the issues involved on his blog here and here - a must read for anyone who may need a vehicle modification certified in the future.
August 2009 - Update on Suspension Modification Rules
Following a widespread outcry from various vehicle bodies and community members, the proposed rule changes outlined below are being delayed to allow further consultation & investigation - common sense prevails. The press release (in pdf format) can be seen on the RTA website here.
July 2009 - New Suspension Modification Rules
On July 16th, as reported on the News.com.au website, New South Wales Roads Minister Michael Daley issued a press release announcing new laws regarding the raising or lowering of a vehicle's ride height for whatever reason, and virtually called anyone who wishes to modify a vehicle in this manner a "hoon". This offensive press release can be seen in pdf format on the RTA's website here.
As the ride height of early vehicles can easily be changed when modernising or updating suspension systems, this piece of legislation could impact on our members. The actual "Vehicle Standards Information 50 - Raising and lowering vehicles" can be viewed in pdf format here. There would appear to be many anomalies within this document, and Mr Daley seems oblivious to what the current legislation actually says and misses the fact that the very vehicles he is trying to target are more than likely already illegal under current laws.
Athol Mullen, an RTA approved Engineering Signatory, has done a good job of pulling apart the errors contained within both the press release and the VSI on his blog here - well worth a read to see just how ridiculous all this is. Daniel Bevear of Abermain has also sent a very well worded letter to the Minister, and this can be seen here. If you think these changes could adversely affect you, you could sign one of the online petitions or contact your local Member or the Minister direct.