Truck number plates deemed offensive

This is the only complaint received with others as baffled as Mr Smith on how anyone could deem them offensive

Remember is the last edition of WA Transport magazine we talked about the end of demeaning slogans on vehicles in Western Australia, well it would seem individuals in other states are already on the ‘look out’ for anything they could be offended by with reports of a commercial cleaner who specialises in infectious scrubbing who has had his truck number plates cancelled because they reference COVID-19 in Victoria.

After one complaint, Pete Smith’s plates, which read “CVD 19”, were recalled by VicRoads.

He was told that they’d have to be handed in by July 29 because they referenced coronavirus and could be construed as “offensive”.

A letter from VicRoads to Mr Smith said, “Number plates containing offensive language, anti-social values or a negative road safety message are generally unacceptable and may not be made available for sale or in some circumstances, recalled after sale.”

Mr Smith said he can’t see what the issue is and has had the plates since April 2020 when he wanted this wording as it bought attention to the capabilities of infectious scrubbing his business offered and he thought the number plates would instil confidence in his customers.

This is the only complaint received with others as baffled as Mr Smith on how anyone could deem them offensive.

This mirrors another incident in June 2020 when a Victorian man’s registration plates were cancelled because they ‘referenced violence.

The plates reading “WEPN” were on Peter Hanson’s car for a decade without any issue before they were recalled by VicRoads.

Yes, this is in Victoria however what is concerning is that governments will act on ‘one complaint’ and in this day and age of people looking for something to be offended by nobody in any state of Australia is without risk, even if the majority of the populous take no offence.

Freight and Logistics Council of WA welcomes new Chair

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has welcomed the announcement that Megan McCracken will be appointed the new Chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of WA from August.

Ms McCracken brings extensive knowledge to the role from her three decades of experience in the resources, automotive, energy and rail industries in Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.

She has served on several boards and committees in the freight and logistics industry and since 2017 has Chaired the Board of the National Association of Women in Operations.

She will succeed current Chair of the Council, Nicole Lockwood, who was appointed to the role in June 2016.

The Freight and Logistics Council of WA was established in March 2009 and meets bi-monthly to discuss and progress issues of strategic importance to the State’s freight and logistics activities.

Minister Saffioti said, “I would like to congratulate Megan McCracken on her appointment as the Chair of the Freight and Logistics Council of WA.

“Ms McCracken has experience serving on many boards and committees in the freight and logistics industry and I look forward to working with her to progress Western Australia's freight and logistics activities.

“Her background and experience will ensure the Council is well positioned to continue to improve Western Australia’s freight and logistics future.

“I thank Nicole Lockwood, the outgoing Chair of the Council, for her exemplary service since June 2016 and wish her well in her future endeavours.”