5 August 2013
After discussions with VFBV, CFA is now applying for an exemption from stamp duty and roadworthiness inspection so that Brigade Owned Vehicles can be transferred to red government number plates without any extra cost.
The move is designed to solve a number of problems associated with having the truck registered to the Brigade, including having to name a member as their Brigade Nominee, responsible for the registration and any traffic fines.
In December 2011, VFBV formed a working group through the Joint Equipment and Infrastructure Committee and requested that CFA take immediate steps to remove the personal liability from the volunteers. The working party asked that CFA seek legislative change if that was necessary to fix the issue.
In late 2012, as a result of strong lobbying by VFBV and recent examples of vehicles having been found not to be registered, or individual volunteers having lost their licences due to infringement notices that were posted to old addresses – the item progressed to the CFA Board who supported immediate steps be taken to investigate VFBV’s proposed solutions including the option for brigades to red-plate Brigade Owned Vehicles.
This would see BOVs being fitted with government red plates, and CFA being listed as the “Registered Operator” and the Brigade listed as the “Registered Owner.” This would remove the need for the Brigade to provide an individual nominee, as all infringement and registration issues would go directly to CFA, and be dealt with in the same manner as they are with CFA owned vehicles. Importantly, the Brigade would continue to be the legal owner of the vehicle when it comes time to sell it or trade it in.
CFA originally sought to make it mandatory for all BOVs to be red plated, and that the registration fees be automatically recovered from Brigades by deducting it from their annual Brigade allowances, but CFA has now agreed with VFBV’s proposal that Brigades should have the right to opt-out of the proposal.
The opt-out proposal would, for example, suit Brigades with personalized number plates that have historic or symbolic importance to the Brigade or community. The opt-out model would ensure the economies of scale that CFA sees as the main benefit would still be retained, but would allow any dissenting Brigades the opportunity to continue to operate under the existing arrangements.
