Page 52 - Week 01 - Tuesday, 13 February 1990
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The Alliance Government has moved quickly to introduce this Bill which is intended to correct that situation. I should add that this legislation represents the culmination of work that was initiated prior to self-government and that was carried on by the previous Labor Government under Minister Grassby. In fact, the legislation has been under consideration for some years. It will bring the ACT into line with other states and the Northern Territory which already have load limits in place.
The Bill allows the maximum weights which may be carried on vehicles using ACT roads to be fixed by determinations; such determinations will be subject to tabling in the Assembly. There are also set limits on dimensions of the vehicles and their loads. The Bill reflects the higher load limits recently adopted in other states and is consistent with moves to national uniformity in road regulation. The Bill also provides for the issue of special permits so that vehicles which could not be used generally on ACT roads can be operated. This could apply, for example, to specialised equipment lorries such as crane carriers.
The permits will prescribe what conditions must be met while the vehicle is on the road and may include restrictions on the speed, time of journey and other precautionary safety measures. The Bill provides for the enforcement of its provisions by inspectors appointed under the proposed Act. These officers will have powers of investigation and direction and will be able to issue infringement notices where breaches have occurred.
The Bill makes provision for a range of penalties for infringements. These are graduated according to the seriousness of the infringement. There are also minor consequential amendments to the Motor Traffic Act 1936 and the Magistrates Court Act 1930. The latter is administered by the Commonwealth Government and will be appropriately amended by that agency.
Since legislation has been under consideration discussions have occurred over an extended period with local shire councils, local federal parliamentarians, the ACT branch of the bus and coach association, ACTION, the Australian Federal Police and the Transport Workers Union. More recently there has been consultation with ACT employer and employee groups of the transport industry and relevant sections of the ACT Government. Sectors of the industry which have specific problems associated with the specialist nature of their activities will continue to be the subject of ongoing consultation.
The Bill will become operational on notification in the Gazette. The Alliance Government understands the need for operators to become used to the new requirements, therefore there will be a settling in period of several months. During this time officers will liaise with industry to ensure that everyone understands the legislation and only flagrant breaches of the legislation will be prosecuted.
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