TCA springs to defence of IAP

dated June 25th, 2009

Transport Certification Australia have sprung to the defence of the Intelligent Access Program after doubts were expressed about the productivity benefits available from using the system when compared to the costs involved in setting it up in a fleet. The limited access state authorities like the Road Traffic Authority in New South Wales offer to any operator who goes through the process of joining the IAP is thought by many to be inadequate and stifling the development of more highly productive operations monitored by satellite tracking.

TCA CEO Chris K oniditsiotis defends the ability of the IAP as a viable method of improving productivity while keeping the regulators happy. He also stresses the fact many companies would not have to change their back office systems used with their current satellite tracking equipment. He claims this system should remain the same and the only equipment needing to be changed is the actual GPS monitoring device in the truck itself.

These particular TCA approved suppliers will have to try and claw back their initial outlay in going through the extremely challenging type approval procedure developed by the TCA to ensure any equipment fitted in tracks is complied with the regulations to the satisfaction of the state authorities. Also, from the point of view of the transport operator, the tracking systems they would have bought and fitted before it was clear only a few suppliers would gain TCA acceptance for use with IAP, would be regarded as expensive in themselves. How can they justify throwing away expensive electronic equipment well before the end of its effective life.

Koniditsiotis also emphasises the value, when IAP equipment is fitted in a truck, of convincing local government who control the last mile of many freight routes, to allow their heavier and sometimes longer vehicles onto their locally funded roads. Anyone who has anything to do with dealing with several local authorities, especially those who have gone through the process of obtaining a PBS permit, will confirm the reaction of each local authority varies from area to area and from application to application.

Yes, some authorities will think IAP is a good idea and accepted as a compliance tool that others will do the usual and bring up various local issues to block any new access to any new vehicle. There is still not enough incentive for small local authorities to accept these vehicles on the roads. As Jerry Maguire so famously said, “show me the money!”