After much confusion last week regarding proposed changes to the regulations for the registration of modified light vehicles, I contacted the RTA for a comment to clarify what was happening to hopefully quash any rumours.
An RTA spokesperson has replied with a written comment that removes some confusion.
The spokesperson confirms that the "RTA met with the Australian Street Rod Federation on 2 July to discuss proposed changes to the definition of an Individually Constructed Vehicle".
The RTA spokesperson continues, "Options under consideration may replace current rules in NSW that apply to vehicle modifications".
Most members of the automotive performance industry and enthusiast culture have assumed that the NSW RTA is working on the adoption of the National Code of Practice for the Modification of Light Vehicles. The NCOP is largely understood to be a good thing for NSW workshops and enthusiasts as it tightens up some loopholes while at the same time making the performance automotive industry a level playing field across Australia.
The RTA spokesperson dispelled rumours that vehicles with four or more modifications will be subject to special consideration. "The definition under consideration assesses modifications to vehicles in terms of their affect on safety and does not simply target vehicles with four modifications."
The spokesperson signalled that the RTA is open to consultation which was the concern of a few key figures that I spoke with late last week. "Any changes will be part of a thorough community consultation process before implementation is considered."
We look forward to this consultation process to make sure that the automotive performance industry and the strong enthusiast culture get a fair deal. At the end of the day, the automotive performance industry employs a large number of skilled and unskilled workers in areas with limited and precarious employment conditions that also coincide with a number of marginal Federal seats. On their own, any potential job losses are negligible. However, any changes that lead to negative industry-wide impacts do not bode well for incumbent State and Federal governments.
