Towing Licences: A Loss of Freedom?

This week the RV community has been abuzz with chatter about our own Joseph Van Woerkom’s opinion piece on the need for towing licenses - which you can read here.

Now, while I agree with Joseph in part that there should be some form of training before people hitch up and hit the road - I don’t believe Australia needs a ‘towing licence’, per sey. Why? Quite simply, I’ve had a gut-full of regulations and red tape gone mad in Australia today. I might be wrong, but I come from a time of common-sense being, well, common - we didn’t need “big brother” or “nanny” looking over our shoulder to make sure we didn’t stub our toe or graze a knee.

I propose a system, wherein, vanners would complete an day, or week, training course for van qualification - this would award competency, and qualify the traveller to tow a van. A one off, reasonable lump-sum payment - not a license renewal system that I think would become more about squeezing dollars out vanners, than a concern for safety.

Another point to consider is, many travellers aren’t retired and aren’t on the road full time - they might only be on the road 4 - 6 weeks a year. A recurring license fee just isn’t fair to these folks.

In conclusion, Australia needs a system for stop gallahs from hitting the and endangering themselves and others, but I reckon there’s already enough red tape  closing attractions, camps and making it more difficult for average every day Aussies. Certification and qualification? Great. A licensing system though - I believe the issue requires more discussion.