Vipac closes emissions testing facility (Port Melb)

[StuwieP]

Just ring a local Melbourne Engineer and ask what are they are now doing (that is what Dann would be doing, calling locally).
I reckon it is an opportune time to get things Engineered (maybe) without an Emissions test.

Yeah I'll be doing the legwork locally. If the engineer says he needs to see emissions, then I'm hopeful he will look at NSW test results, and then put him onto Dann. He's busy enough - doesn't need to be doing that level of basic work for me

[StuwieP]

My update - Dann has confirmed he can take the car for testing in NSW and the Vic engineer will be happy to accept the results, assuming they meet the relevant standard. No big surprise there I guess but at least he doesn't want to be there or insist it has to be in Victoria.

Not ideal for people building and complying in Vic who haven't taken their car 1200km to Newcastle...

He (VASS eng) wasn't sure what the position would be in future, as obvioously everyone has only found out about it just before Christmas.

[bruce]

At least it is a free (?) test in NSW.

[93_Clubman]

Free test at RMS Botany & Penrith in Sydney, but not sure if there are local arrangements for those in regional NSW, or everyone in NSW needs to travel to Botany or Penrith.

[hks_kansei]

If they allow interstate tests, even once they find a replacement in Vic, it would be worth the trip for a free test.


Vipac were I think $800 per test from memory?

vs

870km from Melb to Botany, at about 12l/100 (assume crap economy), at $1.339/litre (todays price), is about $280 return


You could do the trip up and back twice, and still be $240 ahead.

(assuming i'm remembering the vipac cost correctly, not that it matters since they're shut now)

[bruce]

My test cost $715 (5 yrs ago?).
I just think the time required (and effort) to drive to Sydney would make it not worth it (especially if you fail). Plus I'd factor in food and accommodation (why rush).

[StuwieP]

Yeah it's not ideal for anyone who's car isn't already in the hands of a new south welshman... unless you've got time to burn, it's not really a good option.

I'm not sure re cost, whether Dann does it local or goes into town - Dann will charge me what it costs him in time and money and that's how it'll be. Not willing to wait for VicRoads to wring its hands and figure out what to do while my car sits around for another 6+ months.

[93_Clubman]

Bit of an update - official Vicroads response is awaited, but here's the VACC submission:
IM240 alternative test exemptions for Individually Constructed Vehicles (ICVs) in Victoria 11 Feb 2019
https://vacc.com.au/Portals/0/IM240%20a ... 202019.pdf

[bruce]

That's an interesting document;
-23 ICVs get built every year in Vic
-people have been trailering the ICVs for testing in NSW at great expense

They put forward a gas sniffer test to replace the IM240 test. It should be a lot cheaper to get done as they reckon the sniffer would cost about $5K, rather than the rolling road etc they had at VIPAC.

[93_Clubman]

I note VACC issued two letters in early Dec 2018 to VASS requesting advice of reputable and capable providers of IM240 emissions testing as an immediate and short-term solution. Don't know what response & result there was:
'To support the immediate and short-term needs of your customers who will require IM240 emissions testing as part of their vehicle certification, VicRoads is requesting VASS Signatories identify and nominate providers, whom they believe are reputable and capable of providing IM240 emissions testing.
The nominated provider needs to be willing to undertake the accreditation process to enable the results they provide be accepted as part of the vehicle certification process.'
https://vacc.com.au/Portals/0/Divisions ... esting.pdf
https://vacc.com.au/Portals/0/Divisions ... esting.pdf

[93_Clubman]

Speaking of Vicroads, Premier confirmed Vicroads & PTV merger: https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... nkDCXJuDNI

[93_Clubman]

Spotted this update very recently: With the demise of Vipac as a provider of the IM240 testing, it would appear that a company called Admark may get the equipment and the ‘licence’ to use it. However, early indications are that they want to charge $1200 per test while using Kangan Tafe facilities.

[bruce]

I guess that would be an expensive solution. I giess more geared to the manufacturers.