Answers to Questions

MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTIONS

75 Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (22 May 2012). Why is the cost of roadworthy inspections for previously written-off vehicles for motorbikes and scooters the same as that of larger more complex vehicles, such as people movers or four-wheel-drives?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development): I have been advised:

For administrative simplicity, South Australia has categorised fees for roadworthiness inspections into two classes only, either 'heavy vehicles and buses' or 'vehicles other than heavy vehicles or buses'. The latter includes most vehicles under 4.5 tonnes, as reflected in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 1999, Part 4—Miscellaneous, section 43—Fees for inspections.

The prescribed Tier 3 inspection fee for written-off vehicles is the same for all classes of vehicles. Vehicles must pass a comprehensive vehicle identity and roadworthiness inspection prior to being returned to the register to ensure the validity and security of the register.

While the inspection for a smaller vehicle such as a motorbike or scooter may not be as complex as for other vehicles, part of the inspection requires that consideration is given to a number of possible signs of damage such as water damage, corrosion and biological contamination. The presence of these conditions can be difficult to detect and if missed can lead to electrical failure with catastrophic results. Other criteria considered in the inspection include checking the re-birthing of stolen vehicles, for stolen vehicle parts and the validity of paperwork for replacement parts and parts used in repairs.

The seriousness of the potential outcomes if these matters are not given due consideration requires that an appropriate amount of time is allocated to each inspection to ensure compliance.