Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402:body:0:p21
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 58209–61422

minimise the need for exhaust emission testing. However, they will not necessarily eliminate all testing.  In particular a program of testing will be required to benchmark the emissions performance of a fleet and to establish the adequacy of the proposed maintenance regime.  Some additional testing may then be conducted to complement the audits which need to be conducted to ensure the program goal continues to be met.

4.4   Operator Assessment

 The assessment of operators would be undertaken by the audited maintenance program administrator, or assessed independently. The assessment would include a review of the operator's incentives for program participation, incentives to cheat on the program, and their capacity to meet program objectives.  A low incentive level is likely to lead to poor compliance as is an obvious incapacity to effectively implement a quality system.

 There are sometimes incentives to alter an engine from the manufacturer's specifications (e.g. increased power or improved driveability) and adherence to maintenance schedules is a cost that some operators do not believe is warranted (or can afford) and will attempt to avoid.

 There are also incentives for operators to correctly maintain vehicles.  These include improved reliability, improved fuel consumption and a better resale value.

 To establish if an operator is suitable for inclusion in an audited maintenance program the program administrator should collect and evaluate data on the following:

           * stated reason for joining program (e.g. to obtain a competitive edge, to formalise good maintenance practice, to improve the environment);

           * obvious incentives and disincentives for participation;

           * market sector;

           * competitor's participation in maintenance programs;

           * clients' attitudes to environmental issues;

           * awareness of the purpose of the program within the local community;

           * age of vehicles in fleet, odometer readings and annual vehicle kilometres travelled ;

           * existing maintenance practices (e.g. in-house, under contract to dealer);

           * method of financing additions to fleet;

           * any history of safety and environmental breaches;

           * participation in other quality accreditation programs; and

           * apparent financial position of the company.

5.       Program Marketing and Funding

 The regulator will need to develop policy (and regulations if necessary) to establish incentives for operators, to cover the operation of the scheme and to gain acceptance for  the scheme from stakeholders.

5.1   Incentives

 It will be the responsibility of the regulator to ensure appropriate incentives are in place to warrant the cost of participation to an operator and to ensure a participating operator is not disadvantaged commercially.  These incentives may be developed nationally, for a jurisdiction or a local area and may require consultation with transport associations, the Commonwealth government, local government or major transport users (eg, supermarkets, government).

5.2   Marketing

 The administrator of the scheme will market the scheme to potential