Motoring bodies are taking aim at changes to Queensland roadworthy laws as both premature and a ‘blanket solution’ that fails to take account of the complex nature of the repair industry.
Older car lovers are concerned the laws fail to take into account the simpler nature of classic cars and major aftermarket body, while the AAAA is concerned for other reasons about laws it believes are rushed and do not properly consider the repair industry.
The proposed changes to the Queensland’s Written-off Vehicle Scheme Reform are aimed increasing safety and prevent poor-quality repair work and unsafe cars returning to the road.
Under the changes the Queensland Government wants vehicle inspection processes to be more rigorous and all vehicles to be scored against the same Damage Assessment Criteria after an accident, regardless of age.
It will also introduce mandatory training for inspectors from November 1.
“TMR ( the department) has introduced mandatory training as a proactive and preventative approach to road safety and to ensure that AIS scheme members are trained and assessed to a consistent high standard appropriate for their roles and responsibilities under the scheme,” it notes on its website.
This change has raised the ire of classic car lovers who believe the laws will make it harder for older cars to pass safety inspections, and be permitted to be driven on Queensland roads.
This week, major vintage insurer Shannons spoke out about the vastly different nature of older cars to modern vehicles while the damage criteria to declare a write-off were the same.
Vintage impacts
Shannons Executive Manager of Customer Service Stephen Nutbean says the laws risk many classic cars being written off. “and lost forever when they are, in fact, repairable.”
“Many classic vehicles, due to the absence of technology and simpler build characteristics, are more easily repaired than modern vehicles,” Nutbean says.
Nutbean has used the example of water inundation which could cause irreparable damage to a modern car full of electronics, but likely only material damage to an older vehicle without the same technology.
Poor consultation
The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association wants the Queensland Department of Transport to halt the changes until it has engaged in more consultation with the industry including pausing the implementation of mandatory training for Approved Inspection Station (AIS) scheme members.
“We are deeply concerned by how the department has handled this. The decision to push through the policy during the caretaker period, with little regard for industry feedback, is unacceptable. While we welcome subsidised training, the rushed timeline and mandatory nature of the training are inappropriate for the majority of workshops,” says AAAA CEO Stuart Charity.
“The AIS Roadworthy system in Queensland has fundamental issues. Some of our best-approved inspectors are considering leaving the scheme because they feel unfairly targeted, while operators who exploit the system can simply take a training session and continue to undermine road safety.”
AAAA urges the future Queensland Government to reconsider this policy and to work collaboratively with the industry to find solutions that benefit businesses and protect the community.
AIS scheme holders with concerns or questions can email advocacy@aaaa.com.au.