MP backs rego review

By KATH GANNAWAY
A PROPOSAL for flexible car registration payments is being backed by Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato as the number of unregistered vehicles on Victorian roads skyrockets.
Ms Lobato says changes are needed to make payments easier after a new report shows a dramatic rise in people driving unregistered vehicles.
Police figures show the number of car registration enforcement notices have almost doubled since 1998.
Last year police issued 46,601 enforcement notices for unregistered vehicles.
Yarra Ranges District Inspector Mick Beattie said while a breakdown for Yarra Ranges was not available, he had no doubt mobile data terminals (onboard computers) in police cars accounted for increased detection.
“Police out on the road can quickly bring up the registration status of a vehicle and of the person driving in terms of whether that person is licensed, disqualified or suspended.
“That sort of timely information is a powerful tool for our people.”
Healesville police Sergeant Tony Van Gorp said while no local figures were available there were certainly people not only driving unregistered vehicles but using false registration plates, something he said was becoming more prevalent.
He said speaking in general terms, offenders were low income earners although there was also a small minority of people, he said, who simply disregarded the law and ran the risk.
He said people driving unregistered vehicles not only put themselves at risk, but others.
“People don’t understand that one of the key issues is the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) premium attached to registration. If you are unregistered and involved in an accident every medical bill will land on your lap. Third party doesn’t apply,” he said.
As from January next year pensioners and health care card holders will be able to pay six monthly registrations, but Ms Lobato said they are not the only ones who would benefit from more flexible payment options.
“Middle income earners are also disadvantaged by a oneoff payment and I have a personal opinion that we should extend it (six monthly payments) to everyone.
“As I understand it, VicRoads is currently doing a review and I would strongly support the extension of that alternative.”
She said in recent discussions with Warburton police indicated they were concerned at the level of unregistered vehicles in their area.
“It is very difficult for some people and in light of the evidence that was produced last week I will be again making representation in favour of that extension.”
VicRoads general manager registration and licensing Geoff Shanks said VicRoads is currently looking at whether the scheme could be extended to other motorists but said no decision had been made.
However, Seymour MP Ben Hardman said his inquiries had indicated it was not on the Government’s agenda.
Mr Hardman said he had been told by an adviser to the Transport Minister last week that more flexible registration for the wider public was not being considered.
“The information at the moment is that it would be very expensive to implement and would take money away from other programs that are funded by registration leading to other problems,” he said.