Scooter News  ADVERTISEMENT  VACC Update Rider-friendly signage and reforms to motorcycle levy welcomed by VACC
VACC The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Roads and Ports, Mr Tim Pallas, for trials of flexible-impact road signage and reforms to the motorcycle levy.
The new signage, one of five projects to be funded out of the Motorcycle Safety Levy, will reduce the danger to motorcyclists posed by metal road signs commonly located on road verges and roundabouts.
“We welcome these initiatives announced by Mr Pallas. The trial of flexible signs is an important step forward and, if implemented across the State, will greatly improve safety for motorcycle and scooter riders,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“This initiative, and the announced initiatives to promote protective clothing and for studies to improve traffic management for motorcycles, is a good use of the considerable revenues collected through the motorcycle levy.
“While VACC has reservations about the motorcycle levy, we commend the Minister for listening to the industry and reforming its collection. Now, from January 1 next year, riders with more than one registered motorcycle have only to pay the levy on one of their bikes.
“This is a welcome reform. In VACC’s view, motorcyclists and scooter-riders should never have been subject to multiple levies.
“For these initiatives, for the leadership he is showing on the issues of motorcycle safety and equity, and for the Minister’s announcement last month of the adoption of the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS), Mr Pallas is to be commended.
“We now ask the Minister to consider VACC’s call for a signed system of urban Safe Routes for use by motorcyclists and scooter riders, with special road-sharing and infrastructure features, to make two-wheeled commuting safer.”
“Motorcycles and scooters are not going to go away. Their sales are booming. Victorians choosing to ride motorcycles and scooters are entitled to improvements in road infrastructure and road sharing practices to make use of these machines safer on the roads,” Mr Purchase said.
published 16/09/2007 |