ALLOW NSW MOBILE WORKSHOPS TO BE AUTHORISED INSPECTION STATIONS

In NSW it is mandatory for every vehicle that is older than 5 years to pass a yearly Safety Inspection (Pink Slip) in order to register that vehicle. Until recently this was something that could only be carried out at a workshop.

Each premises had a Proprietor, who was the person authorised by RMS to allow Pink Slip Inspections to be carried out on their premises - Authorised Inspection Station (AIS). The person carrying out the inspections was called an Examiner, a person authorised by RMS to conduct the inspection at an AIS.

In 2019 Transport for NSW (TfNSW) began a trial to address the need for NSW vehicle owners to have a more convenient service allowing Pink Slip inspections to be carried out on site without the need for attending a fixed premises workshop. Also known as the ‘Mobile Pink Slip Trial’. Mobile Mechanical business owners that did not also have a fixed premises were excluded from participating in the trial. Representatives at TfNSW hinted that there would be a solution for mobile repairers if the trial was successful.

The trial concluded in 2020 and mobile Pink Slips are now a permanent service offered to consumers. Also known as the ‘Mobile Safety Check Scheme’. NSW vehicle owners in need of a Pink Slip can now simply make an appointment with a participant from the scheme and have a Pink Slip inspection carried out at a suitable location of their choice.

There is no solution for stand alone Mobile Mechanical businesses to be their own AIS. Even with the required Examiner qualifications, they are unable to become an Authorised Inspection Station without a fixed premises.

If a Mobile Mechanic with the Examiner qualifications wishes to carry out mobile Pink Slip inspections they would need to partner with a participating fixed premises AIS workshop and issue the Pink Slip on their behalf, essentially offering advertising for a competitor.

Transport for NSW has outlined several reasons as to why they have set up the Mobile Safety Check Scheme with specific guidelines. They include:

(i) It gives the customer the option to take their vehicle to the fixed station if it fails the first inspection at no extra charge.

*** Mobile repairers can operate within this boundary if requested without the need for a fixed station.

(ii) A fixed contact to follow up on if there are any issues with their Pink Slip inspection.

*** All inspection station details are readily available for viewing and follow up either on the tax invoice, inspection certificate or the RMS website of every registered inspection station. If mobile repairers were able to be an AIS, then their details would also be readily available.

(iii) Offer the examiner an alternative location if original is unsuitable.

*** Mobile mechanics work as onsite every day. Ensuring the ability to organise a safe and appropriate location is part of every job.

(iv) Offer the examiner an alternative location if any major repairs are needed to pass inspection.

*** Mobile repairers are tooled, skilled and scaled to carry out major repairs onsite and it is considered normal daily practice for mobile repairers to do so.

We believe the current guidelines in relation to having a fixed premises to be an AIS are poorly considered. This decision to exclude stand alone mobile repairers (no fixed premises) has no real world benefit for consumers.

Ultimately, the current rules restrict the ability for independent and licensed Mobile Repairers to offer a full range of services to their customers under their own Business Name.

Often vehicle owners will be prompted to book a service or repair at the same time their Pink Slip inspection is due. The decision by TfNSW has promoted customers to potentially choose mobile repairers that offer ALL of the services they need, including Pink Slips. For those mobile repairers that are not permitted to be part of the scheme this restricts the ability to trade independently.

We are asking that all stand alone licensed and certified Mobile Repairers in NSW have the ability to become an Authorised Inspection Station without the need of a fixed premises workshop.

We are qualified, certified and licensed NSW motor vehicle repairers. We follow the same criteria to become a licensed repairer as those who own a workshop.

With electronic records keeping, electronic safety certificates and GPS Brake Testing machines there is no functional compliance reason for Authorised Inspection Stations to be bricks and mortar workshops.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO ALLOW FAIR TRADING