August 2010

Worried caravanners protest to Minister

ASTONISHING news that learner drivers in Queensland are legally permitted to tow caravans has met with howls of protest.

Members of an online caravanners' forum have now written to the state's Transport Minister after hearing that unqualified drivers are allowed to haul trailers and RVs up to 4.5 tonnes.

One forumite wrote: "That's scary stuff. Having a fully licensed driver in the passenger seat does not help an L-plater in a crisis."

And traveller Clive Howard, who has been towing caravans for 34 years, told Caravanning News: "It's scandalous that this should be allowed. Do the powers-that-be in Queensland realise just how dangerous it could be to unleash these inexperienced people onto our roads without having first proved their proficiency."

But it's not the first time the Sunshine State government has landed itself in trouble over learner drivers.

It was recently forced into an embarrassing backflip after announcing controversial plans to allow learner drivers to speed up to five times before failing their 30-minute driving test.

But they can still stall their vehicle, forget to indicate and even coast with the vehicle in neutral up to six times each before failing.

"No wonder the death toll on roads is rising if this is the sort of attitude to road safety," grey nomad Martin Montgomery fumed. "I just can't believe that anyone would allow learners to tow caravans when they are so inexperienced with the basics of driving. It's inviting trouble."

Another angry member of the online forum, who uses the name 'KayMart', wrote: "Learners and P1 drivers have enough to worrying about with the basics of drivng let alone towing another vehicle.

"It amazes me all Australian states aren't consistent with this particular regulation."

And contributor 'Sean' pointed out: "By definition they're still learning to drive, towing is another skill entirely."

Another forumite thought all drivers should have to show they have the ability to control a towed weight, and be able to manoeuvre it safely.

"It is ludicrous to think that an L-plater can be in control of a 'van and vehicle," he wrote. "We need to protect our youth, not make them into statistics."

Caravanning News requested a response from Minister for Transport Rachel Nolan but received no reply from her office.