The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) wants to see Australia keep its technical design rules for trucks and heavy trailers, but believes our light vehicles rules should be harmonised with international standards.
ATA Chair Mark Parry made the comments on Friday, when releasing the association’s submission to the government’s review of Australian Design Rule (ADR) harmonisation on Friday.
Mark explained the ATA’s view on why Australia must retain its own design rules for heavy vehicles. “Australia is the world leader in allowing long and heavy vehicles onto the road network. We have specific ADRs for issues relating to mass and the design of vehicles used in B-doubles and road trains. Other ADRs include technical requirements based on the needs of multi-combination vehicle users,” he said.
“In addition, Australia has a domestic truck and trailer manufacturing industry that provides an individual and customised product to the Australian market.
“Businesses that choose to purchase Australian built trucks and trailers for the long haul market, hostile environments or heavy haulage applications chose those vehicles because they suit their business needs.
“While the heavy vehicle ADRs should be harmonised with the United Nations regulations wherever possible, their development needs to evolve at a pace that can be met by Australia’s local manufacturers and international suppliers who develop specific Australian models.”
However he added that Australia’s light vehicle ADRs should be completely harmonised with the UN regulations, to enable global vehicle manufacturers to release new vehicles into our market with the latest technologies in a shorter time frame at lower cost.
“Light vehicles approved for release into the market would meet the latest global safety and emission standards. Australia would continue to have input into these global standards through the international standards development process,” he said.
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