The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) wishes to inform members that a new policy has been established which covers section 150(1A)(ii) of the Accident Towing Services Act 2007.
What is the new policy?
The policy allows for a holding yard to be within a 10km drive of the specified depot, previously only 500metres.
Why was the new policy necessary?
This amendment comes after feedback was provided by the industry with regards to the lack of turnover of accident damaged motor vehicles from towing operator depots, as many body repairers are at capacity which means accident vehicles are not being moved out of the depots at the rate that they were previously.
In addition, it was becoming increasingly difficult for towing operators to find premises within 500m of the specified depots (or walking distance), which was the current policy. Making it near impossible for depots to obtain a holding yard for the overflow of vehicles.
This means that the depots are reaching their own capacity and could be at risk of rejecting allocated accident jobs if the policy was not introduced.
It was therefore determined in conjunction with the Department of Transport (DoT) that the policy be introduced. This should bring some relief to towing operators.
Effective date: Permanent policy, as of 1 August 2023.
Policy/Requirements: Please see the link.
Should you have any questions, please contact Kathy Zdravevsk, Industry Policy Advisor – Industry Divisions, kzdravevski@vacc.com.au