9.1 Vehicle design
9.1.1(c) Integrity of Australian design rules (29 June 1998)
Australian Design Rules (ADR) should be continually reviewed and the performance requirements updated in the light of vehicle safety and emissions research and industry developments.
9.1.2 Safety and repair costs (29 June 1998)
Vehicle design should aim at achieving the best practicable safety standards and provide an ergonomic environment that minimises driver distraction and fatigue, beyond the requirements of Australian Design Rules. Vehicle design should involve all appropriate technology to minimise the cost to owners of vehicle purchase, maintenance and repair.
9.2 Sales and inspections
9.2.1(c) Car dealers (29 June 1998)
Car dealers should be registered. Registration should include provisions to guarantee all contractual obligations to their clients are met.
9.2.2 Vehicle safety inspections (29 May 2000)
Vehicles should be maintained in a safe, roadworthy condition. Appropriate monitoring systems should be implemented to ensure that owners accept their responsibility to maintain their vehicles. Compulsory periodic motor vehicle inspections should not be introduced unless they can be shown to be cost-effective in reducing crashes.
9.3(c) Motor vehicle tariffs (29 June 1998)
Whilst recognising that a tariff is only one factor in the cost to the consumer of a motor vehicle, RACWA supports reduced tariffs as part of a policy to reduce the total cost of motor vehicles provided the rate of reduction does not jeopardise the existence of an efficient and viable vehicle and component manufacturing industry in Australia.
RACWA supports a continuing staged reduction to be reviewed periodically with a view to further reductions being made upon successful micro economic and other reforms occurring and having regard to protection policies of overseas vehicle manufacturing countries.
9.4(c) Vehicle accessories
9.4.1(c) Bullbars (28 April 1997)
Bullbars on motor vehicles can present a road safety hazard. Their use should be discouraged if the vehicle is usually in the urban area.
The practical benefits of bullbars can outweigh the road safety disbenefits in certain circumstances; ie. vehicles usually used in rural areas or for off road activities.
If a bullbar is fitted to a motor vehicle the device and its attachment fittings should comply with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and all design requirements of the WA Department of Transport.