COMPULSORY IMMOBILISER SCHEMES

Sub-program B: Reducing the Volume of Theft

Approach B1: Securing the Older Vehicle Fleet

Background

The overwhelming evidence is that the best way to protect older vehicles against theft is to fit an Australian Standards certified, after-market engine immobiliser. The NMVTRC estimates that there are currently more than 6 million vehicles on Australian roads that can be stolen using nothing more sophisticated than a coathanger and a screw driver.

Consumers are reluctant to invest even moderate sums to secure their vehicle and a significant body of evidence now exists to suggest that the only way to adequately increase the penetration of immobilisers is by mandate. WA is the only Australian jurisdiction with a mandatory scheme currently in place.

Interestingly, the NMVTRC’s regular consumer surveying shows consistent public support of around 60 per cent for compulsory immobiliser schemes.

Work Program

Development of Best Practice Principles for Compulsory Immobiliser Schemes - 2002

The NMVTRC commissioned a review to verify the effectiveness of the WA mandatory immobiliser scheme and develop a set of best practice principles for other jurisdictions contemplating the introduction of such a scheme.

The report examined a range of scenarios for other jurisdictions including how the implementation problems experienced in WA could be minimised or eliminated.

Click here for a copy of the Principles for Compulsory Immobiliser Schemes report.

Implementing Compulsory Immobiliser Schemes – 2003 onwards

The NMVTRC's work to date with stakeholders in jurisdictions where compulsory immobiliser schemes would deliver the biggest benefits indicates that the likelihood of implementation is extremely low due to:

• the recent rapid reductions in vehicle theft nationally; and
• continuing perceptions that compulsory schemes impact more on lower socio-economic groups (despite the NMVTRC's detailed analysis of the ownership characteristics of older vehicles in 2004 demonstrating that the perception is over stated).

Next Steps

The NMVTRC remains of the view that significant reductions in vehicle theft numbers can only be sustained by immobilising a high proportion of Australia's older vehicle fleet and that voluntary immobilisation can not achieve the critical mass required.  The NMVTRC would therefore be pleased to assist State or Territory governments with advice on the design of cost-effective compulsory immobiliser schemes.