The much awaited logbook-based Club Permit Scheme is now in operation after being introduced by Vicroads on 1^st February 2011. The aim of this article is to expand on the information that was provided in the December 2010 Sprocket at pages 18 and 19. It should be noted that this article in intended to provide general information only and clarification on any aspect of the new scheme should be obtained from Vicroads.

Summary of New Scheme. The new scheme provides veteran, vintage and classic and historical enthusiasts with a more flexible way to use their vehicles. It no longer restricts use of the vehicle to club sanctioned events but allows owners to use their vehicle for up to a maximum of 90 days, at any time and for any purpose provided it is not for commercial gain. The new logbook is used to record vehicle use and an entry must be made for that day’s use before the vehicle is taken on the road. A logbook entry is not required if the vehicle is within 100 metres of the vehicle’s garaged address. A label, similar to that used for vehicles on full registration, will be issued to assist authorities identifying vehicles operating without a current permit. Labels will only be issued when the current permit is renewed.

Transition to the New Scheme. In the lead up to February 2011, all current permit holders will receive a free 90 day logbook that can be used from the 1^st of February 2011 up to the expiry of the current permit. The logbook can be used for a maximum of 90 days irrespective of the permit expiry date. The logbook and the current permit certificate must be with the vehicle, or driver/rider, when it is in use.

Permits Issued Under the New Scheme. When permits are renewed after the 1^st of February 2011 owners will receive a new logbook and a form that includes a registration label, a sticker to place inside the front page of the logbook and the usual bottom half that Vicroads keeps for its records. Similar to the old scheme members must present the form to the authorised club signatory (Secretary or Membership Secretary for our Club) who will sign and stamp the bottom part of the form and sign the sticker. When the form is sent to Vicroads they will stamp the sticker before returning it.

Other Aspects of the New Scheme

Vicroads Requirements. By introducing the new scheme, Vicroads is seeking to improve the administration of the scheme with a view to ensuring that it is not abused. To assist in bringing about such an improvement Vicroads expects clubs to be more accountable for their role in the scheme and have included clear definitions of their role and the ability of Vicroads to apply penalties for breaches. This has been put into effect by means of a standard agreement between Vicroads and each authorised club, similar to a contract. The agreement was printed in Sprocket, December 2010 at pages 18 and 19.

Club Responsibilities. This is a summary of the responsibilities of the Classic Motor Cycle Club of Victoria Inc (the Club) contained in the Vicroads’ agreement as they apply to the Club:

• An application for a club permit by one of its members will only be endorsed if the Club is satisfied that the motor cycle is eligible for inclusion in the scheme and a current Certification of Roadworthiness for the motor cycle accompanies the application.

• A register of club permit motor cycles operated by its members will be maintained and be provided to Vicroads on request, or the Club will cross-check the register against Vicroads records and notify them of any discrepancies.
• If the Club becomes aware that a club permit motor cycle used by one of its members may be unroadworthy, the Club will promptly notify the member and require any faults to be rectified in 14 days.
• The Club will notify Vicroads if it becomes aware of, or reasonably suspects that one of its members who is a club permit holder:
  • Is not using a club permit motor cycle in accordance with the scheme’s provisions.
  • Is no longer a financial member.
  • Sells a club permit motor cycle without destroying the logbook and removing the plates.
  • Fails to rectify faults to a club permit motor cycle within 14 days after being notified by the Club that rectification is required.

Member’s Responsibilities. As a consequence of the Club’s responsibilities contained in the new scheme, Club Members have the responsibility to operate their club permit motor cycles within the requirements of the scheme and to inform the Club when:

• A motor cycle is first put on the club permit scheme through the Club and also the registration plate number.
• They terminate their membership.
• A club permit vehicle has been sold or otherwise disposed of.

The Way Forward

The Club’s rules do not provide for all the requirements of the new scheme and therefore it may be necessary to introduce new rules and/or to amend current rules to enable the Club to correctly fulfil its responsibilities under the new scheme. Generally, the new scheme is a significant improvement over the old scheme in that it provides more flexible use of club permit motor cycles and the rules for such use are better defined. It also puts clubs on notice that their activities can be scrutinised by Vicroads to ensure that the scheme is being used as it was intended. Consequently, all Club Members with club permit motor cycles are urged to use them in a manner that complies with the scheme’s requirements to ensure that the reputation of both the Club and the scheme is not tarnished and therefore, the future of the club permit scheme is not jeopardised.

Ray Isles, Peter Cullen and Wayne Killingsworth will make a presentation on the new scheme at the next general meeting on Wednesday the 16^th of February 2011.

Wayne Killingsworth

Membership Secretary