Government moves to streamline ADRs

The Australian Government says it is getting on with abolishing unnecessary red and green tape by bringing Australian Design Rules (ADRs) into line with international vehicle standards.

The reforms announced on Wednesday (Nov 26) are a step towards ensuring that every time a UN regulation is updated the relevant ADR can be updated automatically, ensuring the latest technology is available in the Australian market as quickly as possible. 

The automatic adoption of UN Regulations also removes unnecessary layers of bureaucratic process to further reduce red tape for the long term.

The first two regulations in the reform programme are UN regulations 19 regarding front fog lamps and 46 regarding rear-vision devices.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, said in a press release: "We are currently working through further UN regulations that can be applied, in close cooperation with industry as well as state and territory agencies, and will be making more announcements throughout next year. 

"These changes are in addition to our recent decision to abolish the requirement for manufacturers to install rear mudguard extensions on new motorcycles, which will deliver $14.4 million in industry compliance and manufacturing savings every year.

Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) Tony Weber said: "The FCAI welcomes yesterday's announcement by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs, that the Australian Government will, in close cooperation with industry as well as state and territory agencies, apply UN vehicle regulations."

"We continue to work with the Government throughout the harmonisation process to bring Australian Design Rules into line with the UN Regulations. This will ensure that Australians continue to have access to the latest vehicle safety and technology."