Anti lane-split rule up for comment

The National Transport Commission has included the measure in a raft of proposed changes.

Its reasoning for the rule, contained on page 26 of the regulatory impact statement, is surprisingly emotive and misleading. For example, it claims that the lack of rules relating specifically to motorcycles has "resulted in a cult belief that splitting lanes (an inherently dangerous practice) is recognised as acceptable". The assertion of the danger of the practice is difficult to support, as there are no crash stats on it, and the practice is actively encouraged in Europe.

Copies of the draft regulations and the impact statement can be obtained via www.ntc.gov.au/RFCList2004.aspx