Road Traffic Authority

Full description

Establishment

The Transport Act 1983 (No.9921) significantly restructured the administration of transport functions in Victoria. Under the provisions of the Act a Road Traffic Authority was established succeeding the Road Traffic and Safety Authority (VA 487) and the Transport Regulation Board (VA 2738) as the authority responsible for accident prevention, road safety, traffic regulation, conditions and control, driver licensing and the registration and regulation of motor vehicles. The Authority commenced operations on 1 July 1983.

Functions

Specific areas of the Authority's responsibility were:

registration and licensing procedures and assistance in connection with transport
road safety
traffic management
the licensing of commercial goods vehicles, tow trucks and passenger ferry services
enforcement of laws relating to the operation of all classes of commercial vehicles
registration of recreation vehicles and approval of protective helmets
registration of motor vehicles
driver licensing
regulation of standards of vehicles and their equipment
maintaining a register of security interests in motor vehicles and trailers
maintaining a register of motor boats and motorized sailing vessels
regulation of accident towing within controlled areas
licensing, supervision of vehicle standards and certification of drivers of commercial passenger vehicles which comprise the bus route network.

Abolition

The Authority ceased functioning on 30 June 1989 when it merged with the Road Construction Authority (VA 1054) to form the Roads Corporation (VA 2982).

Location of Records

No records have been transferred to the Public Record Office.