Call for uniformity in helmet laws
Use transport meeting in Adelaide to sort out confusing and frustrating rules says AMC ChairmanChairman of the Australian Motorcycle Council (AMC), Peter Baulch, has called on all State and Federal Authorities at the 4th Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in Adelaide to support nationally consistent standards for the sale and use of motorcycle helmets.
"Current standards for motorcycle helmets are inconsistent across State jurisdictions, meaning a rider could leave one State with a perfectly legal helmet and enter another State, breaking the law," said Mr Baulch.
"The confusion and frustration caused by this inconsistency within the motorcycle community, simply makes it sensible that we should have uniform requirements across all States, that are in line with current advice in terms of safety.
"The Commonwealth Government through the ACCC is responsible for the standards that relate to the sale of helmets, whereas each State is responsible for the standards that relate to use.
"The Commonwealth and ACCC have, since 2012, been undertaking a review of the sale of helmets and, as such, some States have put off updating their laws for use in order to align with the outcome of the review.
"Conversely, some States have updated their standards to meet the latest European guidelines but riders are unable to purchase helmets that meet these European standards due to the outdated federal laws, making the sale of these newly-approved helmets illegal.
"Delays stemming from the Federal Government/ACCC review are frustrating and I believe transport agencies across all States can work together to resolve this issue quickly. There is an ideal opportunity to address this issue at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in Adelaide this week.
"The AMC and all state affiliates have written to their respective State and Federal Governments seeking prompt resolution, as consumers are being seriously disadvantaged.
"Motorcyclists represent the fastest growing mode of powered transport in Australia, and a rapidly expanding proportion of road users and the AMC believes the Transport and Infrastructure Council can work quickly to address this important safety issue," said Mr Baulch.
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