Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2009C00402
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 26067–29128

telephone number of the person making the report;

           * time and place of the observation; and

           * make, colour and registration number of the vehicle observed.

 Due to the potential unreliability of public reports, a warning letter only should be sent to the vehicle owner advising that undue smoke is an offence and that they risk penalties under the authorised officer reporting scheme.  The letter should seek to educate the person as to why excessive smoke is unacceptable to the community and how smoke emissions can be improved.  The letter should not disclose the name or details of the person that made the report, but should state the time and location.

 A telephone hotline with the appropriate recorded prompts should be considered as a means of reducing the administrative burden and encouraging the public to participate.  An internet reporting facility should also be considered.

      A dedicated database and on-line reporting system could potentially reduce administrative work. Such a system would help to ensure uniformity across reports, e.g. providing compulsory fields for identifying the reporter and a number of optional fields for identifying the vehicle, as set out above.

      Requiring reporters to register would enable training or the provision of information to explain what constitutes a smoky vehicle. This will reduce the likelihood of false or vindictive reports received. If feedback indicates that these types of incidents are occurring, jurisdictions could prepare further guidance for reporters.

      Jurisdictions could also consider running workshops to provide further information on what constitutes a smoky vehicle and how to improve smoke emissions.

3.5   Public Education

 It is important that the public is made aware that:

           * the public reporting scheme cannot be used vexatiously;

           * the name of the person making the report will not be disclosed; and

           * a sanction will only occur if an authorised officer makes the report.

 To encourage the use of the public reporting program promotional material should be developed and launches held for the introduction of the public reporting scheme or the telephone hotline.  Media coverage of occasional 'blitzes' by authorised officers can be used to promote the public reporting program.

 Promotional material could include: a webpage, print advertising, media articles, report cards, stickers, information brochures and posters.  In addition, highlighting the achievements of the program and companies that have improved their vehicle smoke emissions could contribute positively to the public education program

3.6   Targeting strategy for reporting

 It is important that a strategy for reporting smoky vehicles is developed and regularly reviewed to monitor success.  The form of the strategy will depend on the needs of a particular jurisdiction.  Elements may include:

           * occasional 'blitzes' which may combine smoky vehicle detection with other roadworthiness issues such as noise