Proposed changes to ‘roadworthy certificate’ system is “nonsense”

David Purchase, VACC executive director, has described the proposed changes to the Victorian Roadworthy Certificate inspection system as ‘nonsense’.

The Victorian Government is considering the future of the inspections and claims abolishing them will save motorists $73 million. However, Purchase says, yet again, the automotive industry has not been consulted about the proposed changes and VACC is concerned a new system will result in less consumer protections and more unsafe vehicles.

VACC has dismissed the Victorian Government’s proposed changes to the Roadworthy Certificate system on the transfer of a vehicle. The Victorian Government has instructed VicRoads to examine potential changes, including removing the Roadworthy Certificate inspections for vehicles less than three years old and less than five years old.

“This is nonsense on so many different levels,” says Purchase.

“As stakeholders, we had expected to be told when the Consultation Paper, ‘Streamlining Victoria’s Roadworthy System’ would be made available, but we received no advice in advanced of the launch.

“How many times do we have to say that industry should be consulted about policy change? VACC found out about the Government’s intentions through the media: this is not how business should be done.

“VACC’s Licensed Motor Car Trader members will be interested to know how the removal of the Roadworthy Certificate will affect their obligations under the Motor Car Traders Act and the Australian Consumer Law.

“From a consumer point of view, the roadworthy is an official procedure carried out by a Licensed Vehicle Tester (LVT). Car buyers and sellers support the current process, because knowing a vehicle has been checked by a LVT prior to purchase and sold with a Roadworthy Certificate provides peace of mind for all parties.

“And finally, vehicles currently sold with a Roadworthy Certificate are deemed safe vehicles. Apart from VACC’s voluntary check of a vehicle’s critical safety features during a service, the roadworthy inspection on transfer is one of the few opportunities to check the condition of the vehicle. Without it, more unsafe vehicles will be driven on Victoria’s roads,” Purchase, says.

VACC will now study the Consultation Paper in detail and further comment is expected to follow.