CVIAQ Technical & Regulatory Officer, Mr John Samson, attended the Technical Liaison Group (TLG) meeting recently held in Melbourne. The TLG is a group comprising representatives from the Commonwealth Department of Transport, the State & Territory Registration Authorities, National Transport Commission (NTC) and Industry Bodies. The TLG meets twice per year and is the forum where potential changes to vehicle standards and Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are discussed and decisions made on future directions. The TLG is chaired by Mr Robert Hogan, Administrator of Vehicle Standards, Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government (DITRDLG).

The recent TLG Meeting agenda included a proposal from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) for an increase in allowable vehicle width to a minimum of 2.55 metres but preferably 2.6 metres to be in line with European and American standards. The proposal was strongly supported by the Truck Industry Council (TIC), representing the truck manufacturers, who advised that they have been lobbying the Federal minister for Transport for Australia to move to wider vehicles.

Whilst it makes some sense for Australia to standardise vehicle width with European and American regulations, the increase in width could hold some serious long term affects on the viability of many local vehicle manufacturers, in particular, trailer and specialised vehicle manufacturers. The move to European and American dimensions may substantially increase the number of imported trailers and specialised vehicles entering Australia.

CVIAQ calls for members to express their position in respect of this issue and invites members to email, phone or drop into the CVIAQ office to discuss.