The Accident Towing Services Act 2007 commences on 1 January 2009.
The most important change to affect accident towing licence holders is the introduction of an accreditation scheme.
Accreditation is a way of making sure that tow truck licence holders do their job to an acceptable standard. This means that if you operate an accident towing service business you have a responsibility to ensure that the services your business provides are safe, efficient, timely, and in accordance with the law.
Yes. From 1 January 2009 it is illegal to operate an accident towing service unless you are an accredited operator.
Under the new laws, if you are the holder of a tow truck licence issued before 1 January 2009, you are automatically accredited as a tow truck operator for a period of 12 months, until 31 December 2009.
Prior to the commencement of the new Act on 1 January 2009, VicRoads will post out your Tow Truck Operator Accreditation Certificate. If you do not receive your certificate before 31 December 2008, please email towing@roads.vic.gov.au or telephone Accident Towing Enquiries between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 9854 2715.
As an accredited operator, you must comply with the Accident Towing Services Act 2007 and regulations, and with any conditions set out in your certificate of accreditation. You must also comply with all other applicable laws, such as occupational health and safety laws and road safety laws.
It is the responsibility of the operator to apply for reaccreditation in sufficient time for your application to be processed prior to 31 December 2009.
Under the new laws, VicRoads has 30 days to process your application, but this time may be extended if necessary.
Applications for reaccreditation will be available for downloading from the VicRoads website on 1 January 2009 or can be obtained by telephoning (03) 9854 2715.
Under the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, there are certain ‘depot manager’ duties that are the responsibility of either an accredited tow truck operator or an accredited depot manager.
As an accredited operator, you automatically retain the legal responsibility for these duties unless you appoint an accredited depot manager. You do not need to apply for depot manager accreditation, as your operator accreditation covers you for both.
It is expected that the vast majority of accredited operators will not appoint an accredited depot manager. This is because there are very few responsibilities that can only be delegated to an accredited depot manager.