WA is not an island: MTA WA calls for immediate action to allow GCM upgrades

The MTA WA is working hard to collaborate with the Department of Transport (DoT) to fix the anomaly of Western Australia being the only state that currently does not allow (or is not actively considering) upgrades to the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of a light vehicle.

While WA has been at-odds with most other states for some time, the recent boom in caravan and other heavy trailer sales has prompted a surge in demand for vehicle modifications that enable motorists to safely (and legally) tow.

MTA WA Senior Division Manager Graham Cawley said members are troubled by the illogical commercial disadvantage they face by being prohibited from providing products and services their interstate peers can, despite WA Legislation allowing an application to increase GCM.

“It is quite bizarre that the GCM of a vehicle can be upgraded and approved in Adelaide, cross the border and drive along the freeway next to an identical make and model that is not legally allowed to have the identical modifications – simply because it was licensed in WA,” Mr Cawley said.

“However, of much greater concern to our Members is that local motorists are being put at unnecessary risk by a policy that appears to be ill-informed and contrary to the rest of the country.”

“On behalf of our Members, the MTA is doing all it can to understand the department’s concerns and work cooperatively to either overcome them or explain them to industry and motorists.”

For more information or to share a concern relating to GCM upgrades, email or call us.