NTC seeks input on proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules

THE National Transport Commission (NTC) yesterday released the latest package of proposed amendments to the Australian Road Rules (ARRs) for public consultation.

Chief Executive of the NTC Paul Retter said the rules are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain consistent and contemporary.

“The proposed changes aim to harmonise the road rules across the states and territories to improve road user safety. For example, in November 2016 transport ministers agreed to pursue a national approach to motorcycle lane filtering which is included in this proposed amendment package,” Mr Retter said.

The changes take into account feedback from consultation with police and road agency representatives from each of the states and territories, as well as a Commonwealth representative.

Other key changes include:

• new load restraint requirements to improve clarity about legal obligations
• updating technology-based terminology for rules that govern the use of visual display units and mobile phones
• new rules that impose restrictions on drivers’ use of ‘bus only’ lanes.

The draft amendments and a document explaining the proposed changes are available on the NTC website. Submissions are open until 5pm, Friday, 11 August 2017.

Feedback from this consultation will inform the amendment package that will be presented to the transport ministers for approval at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in November 2017.

Once approved, each state and territory will move to adopt changes by passing legislation to amend local transport laws.

Introduced in 1999, the Australian Road Rules contain the basic road rules for motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, passengers and other road users. They form the basis of the road rules adopted in legislation by each Australian state and territory. As model laws, they have no legal effect of their own.

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