Legislative Council, Thursday 15 August 2024 

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

As there is currently no required training or limit for towing with a full car licence in Australia, this means a driver can have no experience with an articulated vehicle and trailer combination, up to the total mass limited only by the vehicle rating:

1. Does the Minister for Transport agree that this can create road safety risks when inexperienced licenced drivers tow, particularly large loads; and

2. Will the Minister for Transport commit to actively promoting a nationally consistent and recognised training program and driver licence towing endorsement for Australian drivers' who wish to tow?

ANSWER:

1. Each year around 300 Tasmanians are killed or seriously injured on our roads. However, there is no available evidence to indicate that there is an increased road safety risk for towing.

2. In Tasmania, there is no legislative requirement that mandates training or specific licencing requirements for towing light trailers – this approach is consistent with other jurisdictions across Australia.

Information regarding the towing of light trailers (including caravans) is available on the Transport website. This information includes advice regarding understanding vehicle ratings and capacities; effects of towing, towbar, coupling and braking requirements; load restraint guides, as well as advice regarding towing safely. Training is available in the private sector for light trailers.

Tasmanian legislation includes offence provisions applicable when the manufacturer’s tow capacity has been exceeded. I am advised these are enforced by Tasmania Police and the Department of State Growth’s Transport Inspectors who can weigh combinations on the roadside with portable scales. These enforcement activities are in addition to educational material readily available online at the Transport website but also on many motoring media websites.

Therefore, at this stage, the Government is of the view that there is no need for further regulation.