17 Jul 2017 | by Lisa Cockerill
Inspection of Personalised Transport Vehicles
Changes to Legislation due late 2017
Queensland Transport and Main Roads are implementing a new system in late 2017 of the Personalised Transport Reforms. The vehicles that are affected in the changes are personalised transport services such as:
Booked Hire
Booked hire/rental
Taxi's
Limousines
Special Purpose Limousines
Uber
These inspections are required every 12 months and by the end of 2017 Personalised Transport Vehicle Operators will have the choice to take their vehicle to an Approved Inspection Station or Queensland Transport and Main Roads Customer Service Centre.
To be able to have an AIS (Approved Inspection Station) carry out the inspection they will need to meet certain criteria set by Queensland Transport and Main Roads to be accredited.
The inspections must be an Inspection Certificate Online (ICO) and the AIS must hold the correct accreditation to be able to complete the Certificate of Inspection for the vehicle.
Paper copies of the Certificate of Inspection will not be accepted by Queensland Transport and Main Roads.
The Certificate of Inspections are usually for vehicles that are over 4.5 tonne GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) but they will now be used for the annual Certificate of Inspections for Specialised Vehicles regardless of the GVM of the vehicle.
There are a series of changes being implemented across these vehicles that are in these categories.
Limousines:
Operator Accreditation requirements will be removed
All booking entities must have government approval to operate
Fare must be agreed up front or an estimate provided
The requirement for distinct "L" and "SP" registration plates may be removed
Electronic payment surcharges will be capped at five per cent
The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) will review Compulsory Third Party Insurance classes for both booked hire services and taxis
A new chain of responsibility for personalised transport services with clear legal obligations developed
Taxis:
Operator Accreditation requirements will be removed
A new chain of responsibility for personalised transport services with clear legal obligations will be developed
Electronic payment surcharges will be capped at five per cent
The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) will review Compulsory Third Party Insurance Classes for both booked hire services and taxis
Government will consider whether:
Bailment agreements should be regulated
Security cameras should be required in all personalised transport vehicles
Minimum standards for security camera can be set instead of prescriptive requirements
All personalised transport operators could provide subsided services to Taxi Subsidy Scheme members
All booking entities must have government approvals
Exclusively for Taxi's
Security cameras will remain mandatory in taxis due to their ability to provide rank and hail services to anonymous passengers. Exemptions relating to regional and remote areas will continue.
Taxi service contracts to be removed
Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) services retained for taxis, lift payment will continue
Booked services for TSS and wheelchair accessible services are subject maximum fares
While there are changes that are going to take effect late 2017 for certain there are some changes that are still in the process of being finalised.
Legislation writers have made these changes to make the industry an even playing field for all Personalised Transport Vehicles especially with the popularity of Uber and other services of a similar nature.
Queensland Transport and Main Roads realise the impact that the changes in the industry has made on many and have a page on their website dedicated to Industry Adjustment Assistance.
Click the link below for the grants and counselling services available:
