Australia should retain its existing system of Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for heavy vehicles, the ATA recommended in its submission to the Australian Government’s review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act.

The ADRs issued under the Act establish the performance standards that apply to new vehicles entering the Australian market.

“Australia has unique operating conditions for heavy vehicles and allows innovative and safe vehicle combinations such as B-doubles, B-triples and road trains,” the submission said.

“Australian truck operating practices also differ in important respects to those overseas.

“As a result, Australia must retain its existing ADR system for heavy vehicles. It can be useful and productive to align those ADRs with UN regulations, but in some cases it will not be appropriate.” it said.

The submission includes six recommendations.