Private sector to perform vehicle checks

The State Government has announced that Expressions of Interest were being called from the private sector to perform vehicle examinations on behalf of the Department of Planning and Infrastructure.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Ljiljanna Ravlich said the initiative followed trial arrangements which were implemented in June last year.

"A thorough review and analysis of the trials determined that they were successful and so the Government is now looking to formalise the partnerships," Ms Ravlich said.

"We will soon be going to the open market to seek responses from suitably qualified service providers to perform a variety of vehicle examination services within the Perth metropolitan area, on behalf of the Department for Planning and Infrastructure.

"Those selected will carry out vehicle inspections of light and/or heavy vehicles, with an anticipated commencement date of July 1."

The Minister said that customers would still be able to have their vehicles examined at the current metro AIS (Approved Inspection Station) providers who were involved in the initial trial until the announcement of the new partners on July 1.

DPI's examination centres would continue to inspect the full range of vehicles.

"The use of private-sector partners in examination services has been shown not only to help to reduce wait times, but also to enable the department's vehicle examination staff to focus on inspections of vehicles of high risk either in terms of road safety or vehicle identity," Ms Ravlich said.

"Even though there have been some dramatic improvements over the past 12 months, with wait times showing considerable reductions, the department is committed to improving further.

"The April average wait time for vehicle examinations in the metropolitan area was just over 80 minutes, a far cry from the 300 minutes which was experienced at the same time last year.

"This is one more step in the broader reform program aimed at improving services by working more efficiently to meet demand and accommodate future growth."