Salient. Official Newspaper of the Victoria University Students' Association. Vol 41 No. 9. April 24 1978
Motorbike Registration Soars
Motorbike Registration Soars
The ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) levy in the annual motorbike reregistration fee is due to be increased from $9.90 to $70 this year. This unjustified and unfair increase is based on the rationale that motorcycle accidents are costing the ACC more than they receive in motorcycle levies.
Last year there were 3350 claims from motorcycle accidents. The Mot's own statistics found that in only 40% of these accidents was the motorcyclist completely at fault. But all motorcyclists are being made to foot the bill.
This increase goes against the fundamental spirit of the ACC. The ACC was set up as a body to which everybody contributed, and from which an individual could take compensation when an injury caused him loss of earnings. If the increase is allowed, then why aren't sports players, for example, asked to pay a levy?
Our government is supposedly concerned with energy conservation. Motorcycles consume much less petrol, cause less wear on the roads, occupy less parking space and contribute much less to traffic congestion. Surely it would make more sense to encourage the use of motorcycles for these reasons, rather than kick motorcyclists in the head.
Don't stand for the increase!
Come along to a public meeting next Wednesday (26th) in the Union Hall at 8 p.m.
Watch Saturday Night's Evening Post for details.
Brodie Thomson
(Victoria University Motor Cycle Club)