HVIA calls for changes to RVSA Rules

HVIA is calling for changes to the Rules that sit under the Road Vehicles Standards Act (RVSA) to protect against massive cost implications for industry.

HVIA’s National Policy and Government Relations Manager Greg Forbes says that a lack of understanding of the heavy vehicle industry has led to some overly restrictive drafting of the Rules.

“The rules around testing evidence for heavy vehicle component type approvals need to change,” Mr Forbes said.

“There should be a recognition that these components have been successfully operating for many years without any problems.

“The Rules should facilitate the transition to the new legislation by accepting test evidence provided under the previous CRN and SARN arrangements.

Mr Forbes says the Rules need to recognise that heavy vehicle models often have much longer production lives than their light vehicle counterparts.

“Seven years may work for light vehicles but type approvals for heavy vehicles and components need to be much longer,” he said.

HVIA had lead a charge along with other industry bodies to ensure that time was available to ensure that the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development (DIT) could finish off its computer systems and provide industry with the required guidance material. 

Last week a delay to the implementation of RVSA was written into Law after passing through Parliament.

Mr Forbes said at the time the delay would provide an opportunity to work with DIT to sort out residual issues and to be prepared for the legislation.

“This is a complex piece of legislation and industry is committed to working with the Department to address the implementation issues.

“We have proposed a set of principles which we believe should guide the implementation of the new legislation,” Mr Forbes added.

“That will ensure a smooth transition to the RVSA by minimising adverse impacts on industry while allowing Government to achieve its objectives.

“However, to make this happen we need to ensure the Rules are consistent with these principles.”

To have your say on the principles and/or to keep informed on the progress of the legislation please contact Greg Forbes.