Page 4768 - Week 16 - Wednesday, 28 November 1990
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Enforcement officers will not need to undergo special training to detect whether a vehicle needs to comply with the legal requirements as the manufacturer's gross vehicle mass is stated on the compliance plate of all heavy vehicles. Not only will drivers of vehicles apprehended for speeding in the ACT above the 100-kilometre limit attract normal traffic penalties, but also their vehicles will be subject to defect notices as the required speed limiters cannot have been fitted.
The purpose of this Bill is to improve the safety of heavy vehicle drivers and others who share the road with these vehicles. The overall effect of the fitting of the speed limiters will be safer roads, less environmental pollution due to reduced fuel consumption and reduced speeding penalty costs to members of the industry. This initiative will enhance public safety on our roads and, together with other complementary measures, work to reduce the high emotional and financial cost of road trauma. It is one of a range of national initiatives which are being implemented by other jurisdictions in Australia. Consequently it is of paramount importance that the ACT participate in such an important process. I commend the Bill to the Assembly. I would point out to Mrs Grassby that this really does not have anything to do with lowering the alcohol limit from .08 to .05. That, indeed, is the subject of another Bill.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: I call Mr Jensen.
Mrs Grassby: Just one more speaker, is it?
Mrs Nolan: No, after Mr Jensen.
Mrs Grassby: Oh, you are joking. God, you must have worked the public service overtime.
MR DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, members! I have called Mr Jensen.
MR JENSEN (4.44): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for your protection. I am pleased to support this Bill to amend the Motor Traffic Act of 1936 which will require the retrospective fitting of speed limiters to certain classes of heavy vehicles including omnibuses. I call them buses, but let us use the correct term. This Bill is consistent with this Government's policy of improving the road safety environment in the ACT. It is also a reflection of the growing recognition by all State and Territory governments of the need to have national uniformity in matters affecting Australian road users. I was fortunate at one stage, Mr Deputy Speaker, to be present at a ministerial conference when these matters were raised. It is a very important issue for the people of Australia as well as the people of the ACT.
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