Busy period of the year sees nine additional defect approval locations
The Victorian government is looking to aid transport operators in getting their trucks back on the road quickly after a defect notice through the expansion of approval locations.
Those who are required to present the corrected vehicles to a VicRoads customer service centre before hitting the road again, excluding those notices that require a roadworthy certificate, can now visit an extra nine locations in state’s north and west.
The new locations are:
- Gateway Beet Incorporated in Hopetoun
- Wycheproof Community Resource Centre in Wycheproof
- Hindmarsh Shire Council in Nhill
- Mildura Rural City Council in Ouyen
- Mitchell Shire Council in Kilmore
- Northern Grampian Shire Council in St Arnaud
- West Wimmera Shire Council Offices in Edenhope and Kaniva
- Yarriambiack Shire Council in Warracknabeal
According to Victorian roads minister Luke Donnellan, the busy period has created a need for greater access to approval services.
“We know it’s a busy time of year and that’s why we’re making it easier for truck drivers to get minor defects cleared at nine local agencies,” he says.
“Especially in the lead up to Christmas the last thing we want is for an unroadworthy truck or trucks that are carrying harvest loads that are too heavy to be sharing the road with family cars.”
The minister says each of the new locations is being helped by its local VicRoads office to complete the approval process.
Inspection facility closure
The New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) heavy vehicle inspection station in Tamworth will be closed from Monday, December 19 until February 20 next year for maintenance works.
The closure, which the RMS hopes will cause little disruption, will allow the authority to seal the driveway with asphalt and service the testing equipment used.
To accommodate the move, RMS says it is making time to handle a growth in demand.
“Heavy vehicle owners who are due to have their trucks inspected have a range of options to ensure they can renew their registration on time,” an RMS spokesperson says.
“Additional booking time slots are available in the lead up to Monday 19 December and in February to cater for demand.
“Alternatively Roads and Maritime Heavy Vehicle Inspection sites at Gunnedah, Willow Tree, Armidale or Walcha will be open and can carry out inspections.
“Heavy vehicle users can also renew their registration with an inspection report from a Heavy Vehicle Authorised Inspection Station, then book a Roads and Maritime Heavy Vehicle Inspection when the site reopens.”
Roads and Maritime heavy vehicle inspections can be carried out three months before the registration expiry of the vehicle.