Source : Perth Now news
A new online registration service for off-road vehicles is expected to make it easier to know how many people are going off the beaten track and which areas need attention.
ORV services were added to the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure’s DoTDirect platform after the Control of Vehicles (Off-road Areas) Act 1978 was updated to remove a requirement for registrations to be done in person.
The Act requires all ORVs such as quad bikes and all-terrain vehicles to be registered before they can be used at permitted ORV areas across the State.
Proceeds from registration fees will be re-invested into the State Government’s Off-Road Vehicle Account to build, upgrade, and maintain ORV areas.
Previously, owners needed to sign a statutory declaration confirming they met age and ownership requirements, and agree that they would comply with relevant noise and safety requirements.
These requirements remain, but the process has now been streamlined and can be completed online.
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said WA’s off-road vehicle community and local governments had advocated for this change.
“The new process will be easier and more convenient, with proceeds from registration fees re-invested into the community through the creation of new ORV areas and the maintenance of existing sites,” she said.
The Motor Trade Association of WA said the requirement to visit a licensing centre in person meant few vehicles were registered, limiting the ability of the government and local authorities to know how many ORVs there were and where they were being used.
It also hampered the police’s ability to investigate illegal activity, identify stolen vehicles and return them to their owners.
Improved registration data is expected to better help the government and local authorities understand demand for off-road vehicle areas and make more informed decisions about where to invest in maintenance, upgrades and the development of new facilities.
Making registration easier would also result in more funding for these facilities.
MTA WA chief executive Neil Le Febvre said the changes would simplify the process for owners and help deliver better outcomes for riders and communities.
He said requiring owners to attend a licensing centre in person created a significant hurdle and contributed to very low registration rates.
“MTA WA has been actively calling for a simpler and more accessible registration process for off-road vehicles,” Mr Le Febvre said.
“We need better information about ORV usage to support smart planning and investment. Data helps inform key decision-makers to ensure funding is directed where it is needed most, ensuring the industry can continue to grow.”
The reforms were also expected to deliver long-term benefits for riders through improved facilities and infrastructure.
“Every registration contributes directly to the dedicated fund for off-road vehicle areas,” Mr Le Febvre said. “The more vehicles that are registered, the more funding becomes available to maintain existing areas, improve facilities and develop new places to ride.”
He said MTA WA would continue to advocate for compulsory registration of off-road vehicles at the point of first sale.
“Moving registration online is an important step forward but we believe registration at the point of first sale remains the best way to ensure vehicle records accurately reflect the true usage across the State,’ he said.
Vehicle owners making new registrations will also be able to choose between having a registration sticker or plates.
Owners can register their ORVs at transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/vehicle/license-vehicle/license-register-off-road/register-off-road.
