In July 2000 the Environmental Protection Authority introduced a new regulation requiring all motorcycles fitted with an aftermarket exhaust to carry a specific label on it or face a $200 fine.
The EPA did not inform riders of this new law, and failed to make available, any useful information about it
Fines and defect notices were issued by EPA inspectors and the Police.
The regulation was retrospective
Police used Random Breath Test stations as a means of collecting motorcycles from the road for the EPA and to issue fines.
Riders were effectively arrested so the EPA (now DECC) can noise test their machines, and check for stickers causing delays for up to two hours on the roadside.
This enforcement has soured relations between Police and riders at a time when it was hoped riders and Police could work together towards real improvements in road safety.
Other agencies of Government have been working with riders to improve safety and these actions initiated by EPA (now DECC) risked several years of good work.
The law appeared to be used primarily to raise money.
Bikes that were at or below the legal noise limit were fined!
DEC commissioned a survey of community attitudes to noise. A survey only produces results in accord with how the questions are put.
This survey was not designed to discover facts, but to re-inforce a political “spin” that was pre determined.
Although the DEC attempted to modify the law, making it even more onerous, a Motion of Disallowance in the Legislative Council was supported.
Clause 19 was repealed.
The EPA had also continued to issue fines for failing to carry a sticker on the fuel tank which says “unleaded fuel only”, despite the law requiring this label having been repealed when leaded fuel was phased out.
