The National Transport Commission has released the 8th Package of amendments to the Australian Road Rules for public consultation.

The purpose of this package is to

(a) confine the use of mobile phones in motor vehicles to hands-free phones and phones that are in mountings fixed to vehicles;
(b) confine the use of visual display units used as drivers' aids in motor vehicles that are in mountings fixed to the vehicles;
(c) to address various technical matters in relation to shared zones; entering blocked crossings; staying to the left of the centre of roads and the crossing of dividing lines; overtaking to the left of vehicles; and carrying animals on bikes.

Documents can be viewed electronically on the National Transport Commission’s website at www.ntc.gov.au.

Submissions may be forwarded to the Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission, Level 15, 628 Bourke Street Melbourne 3000, or submitted on-line at www.ntc.gov.au.

Further information may be obtained by contacting Greg Deimos Senior Manager Programmes and Maintenance on (03) 9236 5032 or email gdeimos@ntc.gov.au.

Closing date for submissions is 4 July 2008.