Scooter News  ADVERTISEMENT Easy-riding MP in bid to cut rego costs. As concern over petrol prices and carbon footprints grows, state politician Lisa Singh is urging motorists to explore alternatives to cars -- and she's leading by example.
The Mercury / KANE YOUNG Ms Singh, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, has been riding her L-plated 200cc Vespa around Hobart in recent months, much to the delight of bicycle-loving Premier David Bartlett.
She pays just $10 to fill her scooter with petrol -- as opposed to $85 to fill her car -- and is helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.
Now Ms Singh has written to Infrastructure Minister Graeme Sturges in a bid to have the cost of registering a scooter reduced.
In May, the Mercury reported that Tasmania is the most expensive state in which to operate a scooter.
Even so, at the time, dealer Cameron Saunders said a quality scooter retails for about $3800 and costs just $35 a week to own and operate, compared with at least $120 a week for a "cheap" car.
The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources website says it costs $511.85 to register a 125cc or bigger scooter or motorcycle for 12 months -- just $8 less than a four-cylinder car.
"People should give it a go -- they're cheaper to buy, cheaper to run and great fun, but not cheap to register," Ms Singh said.
"If we really are serious about encouraging people to think outside the square about alternative forms of transport, I think it's worth investigating the possibility of reviewing the costs of registering a scooter or motorcycle, to make it more attractive to Tasmanians.
"There are so many benefits (to scooters) that can outweigh the cost of registration, but I still think it's worth looking at those costs.
"I think Hobart is an ideal city to create a vibrant bike culture, and I'd love that to happen."
published 7/07/2008 |