The Tasmanian Automobile Chamber of Commerce has again called on the State Government to introduce compulsory roadworthiness inspections on change of vehicle ownership.
According to TACC General Manager Mr Little, Tasmania is one of the last remaining States not requiring some form of vehicle inspection, yet its vehicle fleet, which averages 12+ years, is one of the oldest in Australia.
"Many cars should simply not be on the road because of the condition they are in - their faulty or worn tyres, faulty shock absorbers and spongy brakes go unchecked year after year before contributing to a road disaster," Mr Little said.
"During 2002 and 2003, Transport Inspectors identified 5900 defects during 40,000 random inspections. This suggests nearly 15% of vehicles on Tasmanian roads are unroadworthy, posing risk to their occupants and other road users.
"Random inspections provide only a snapshot of vehicle condition and are not as useful as compulsory inspections. Through Roadside Help TACC is assisting people with faulty vehicles, but more must be done." Mr Little said compulsory inspections on change of ownership would help ensure more vehicles were safer to drive, contribute to a reduction in road accidents and reduce their severity; provide purchasers with the comfort of knowing their vehicles are roadworthy; protect employees whose vehicle is their workplace, and identify expired or faulty LPG cylinders which potentially are extremely dangerous.
"Recent surveys in Tasmania and South Australia suggest the community, particularly females, support compulsory vehicle inspections. "Tasmania already has around 200 Approved Inspection Stations and the necessary infrastructure to implement compulsory roadworthy inspections. Such testing would reduce the incidence of death, injury, and property damage on Tasmania's roads.
"We call on the Minister for Infrastructure Energy and Resources, Bryan Green, to meet with TACC staff and other interested parties with a view to implementing compulsory roadworthiness inspections. "At all times, TACC reminds vehicle owners of their responsibility to themselves, their families, employees and other road users in ensuring their vehicles are well maintained," Mr Little said.
For more information, contact Malcolm Little at TACC on 03 6278 1611 or 0408 398 670