The following has been recv'd from the Aust. Auto. Aftermarket Asso. (AAAA) and refers to proposed new ADRs on the removal of Frontal protection systems (Roo/Bull Bars) form new vehicles sold in Australia..
This is an extract only and you should take the time to look at the full version on the AAAA website. Also given that an election is due to be called soon it may be an oportune time to ask your local federal member just where they stand and what support they will give.
Whilst the initial contact has come form the industry directly impacted by any removal of this type of vehicle accessory the impact on all of those who travel within Australia may be very high - especially after the first animal strike results in serious injury or death.
"Businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution and fitment of bull bars should be aware that the Federal Government is currently considering the adoption of
United Nations Economic Cooperation for Europe (UNECE) regulation which relates to the design and safety performance of vehicles that come into contact with pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
In simple terms, if the regulation were adopted in full, there would be a requirement for every new vehicle sold in Australia to meet stringent pedestrian safety criteria which would be administered via the Australian Design Rule (ADR) process. The timing of European adoption of the regulation is through a phased approach between 2013 and 2019. In the European Union, the roll out of this regulation incorporates the design and performance of vehicle frontal protection systems.
As a signatory to the UNECE, the Australian Government is obliged to consider the introduction of all regulation developed via this process and the lead agency is the Department of
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. The Department is in the process of preparing a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) which will seek public input into the possible adoption of the regulation to assist them in developing a cost/benefit analysis. We understand that the RIS will be circulated in July 2010 with a final decision to be made by Government before the end of the year.
It is the belief of the AAAA that it is simply not possible to design and manufacture any form of effective and commercially viable bull bar that would meet this European standard. As such, full adoption of the standard would spell the end of the bull bar as we know it and would have a devastating impact on the 4x4 parts and accessories industry in Australia.
While the AAAA understands the merits of international harmonisation of standards, we believe that harmonisation should only be considered if the relevant standard or regulation is appropriate for the local conditions. Australian driving conditions vary enormously from European conditions; particularly the physical and weather environment, the increasing the incidents of large native animals on urban roads, the level and concentration of built up areas in Europe compared to Australia. These factors all make Australia a unique driving environment and in our part of the world, bull bars are designed to save the lives of the drivers and passengers of the vehicle. An impact at over 25 kilometres an hour with a large native or domestic animal will result in driver and passenger injury and death. Whilst some members of the public perceive these accessories as unnecessary – the producers, distributors and users of bull bars know they save lives. "
The above is an extract only and you should make the effort to read the full article.
Should you require any further information please contact Stuart Charity in the AAAA National Office on (03) 9545 3333.
More importantly contact your local federal member and make them explain just what is is they intend to do and why they feel it is necessary to do it.