Scrap licence fees for seniors

11 May 2009

The RAC is calling for the scrapping of drivers licence and car registration fees for seniors to help ease the financial burden on Western Australia’s older drivers.

An RAC survey has shown that one in two WA drivers over the age of 55 is concerned about the high costs of running and maintaining their vehicles. RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown expected the number would continue to rise as the economic downturn continued to bite.

“Many older Western Australians, including self-funded retirees, are on a fixed income and are really feeling the pinch. They can’t increase their incomes but they are still faced with the rising cost of living,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown said the State Government had committed $250million for tax cuts in the last election campaign and the upcoming state budget would be the perfect opportunity for the government to ensure seniors got their fair share.

“We’ve calculated the cost to the budget of scrapping driver licence and vehicle registration fees for seniors would be around $3million. It would be a small but tangible way for the government to ensure that older Western Australians benefit from the proposed tax cuts.”

Cutting the licence and registration fees for seniors would complement other programs already in place such as the Country Age Pension fuel card and free off-peak public transport.

“Many seniors still need private vehicles to attend medical appointments, do the weekly shopping and maintain contact with family and friends.

“By also cutting out the licence and registration fees for seniors, the government will be able to help the majority of WA’s seniors to maintain their mobility at a reduced cost.”

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