Vehicle Registration fees to rise

BUDGET STATEMENT

10/4/97

VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES TO RISE

A complete overhaul of the licensing system in Western Australia will benefit drivers, vehicle owners and the whole community, Transport Minister Eric Charlton said.

New technology was being introduced to produce better driver licences with clearer pictures of drivers.

Mr Charlton said the new licences would have better security features like holograms and security patterns and would be more durable.

"Tighter security is also a feature of how applications to own or drive a passenger vehicle are handled," he said.

"Holders and applicants for bus and taxi licences will undergo an extensive security and record check with all police forces in Australia to ensure only people of good character are in the industry."

Mr Charlton said the environment would benefit from new aluminum number plates which could be recycled.

"Plates are also being redesigned to promote Western Australia in line with the 'Brand WA' initiative," he said.

The new technology being used to manufacture the plates also means vehicle owners can choose from a greater range of personalised or special plate options.

These improvements to the licensing system are being funded through greater efficiencies within the Licensing Division of the Department of Transport and increases in fees for drivers and vehicle owners.

One of the increases will be to motor vehicle registration fees which will be used to assist construction of public transport infrastructure as part of the ambitious 10 year program launched by Mr Charlton in October last year -- The Better Public Transport Plan.

Funding from the increase in licence fees will assist the Government to meet its road works program and be allocated to Main Roads Western Australia for up-grading the South West Highway and roads between Lancelin and the Wheatbelt.

On average, the annual family vehicle licence fee for a six-cylinder car will rise by $14.40 (less than 30 cents a week) and by $7.10 on a four-cylinder car.

An increase in the recording fee (a fixed service charge paid by anyone making a licensing transaction) will fund Western Australia's commitment to the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information Systems.

"NEVDIS is a nationwide bid to cut car and licence fraud, to reduce the number of accidents and to save time for people transferring licences between States," Mr Charlton said.

"Some of the fees will apply from later this month (April 18) while consumer price index linked increases will apply to all licensing transactions and will be introduced in July."

The most significant increases will be:

·         one year licence up $4 to $30;

·         five year licence up $5 to $95;

·         recording fee up $2.20 to $14.70;

·         new passenger vehicle application fee $25; and -

·         ordinary plate fee up $2.50 to $15.

Seniors, health card holders and other eligible people will still be able to receive the relevant concessions on licence fees.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 481 2133

INTERSTATE COMPARISON OF MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE FEES AND THIRD PARTY INSURANCE PREMIUM - 6 CYLINDER FAMILY CAR WA

        (a) Currently subject to actuarial review.