Government is in dreamland over P-licence safety

The Government is in dreamland if it thinks the outdated P-licencing system is safer than GPS-tracked, consumer-rated rideshare services, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“Simon Bridges’ confession that P-licenced drivers are operating with drink driving or dangerous driving convictions contradicts his defence of P-licencing as an assurance of safety.

“Meanwhile, he’s threatening to ban services which ensure safety through real-time GPS tracking and two-way evaluation. The Government’s attitude toward taxi safety has been leapfrogged by technology.

“However, it was a relief to hear the Minister concede today that the P-licencing system is overly expensive.

“In June last year, Bridges said he was interested in using Uber-style technology to allow ‘a large-scale uptake in carpooling’. This will never happen so long as there is a near-$2000 levy for every rideshare driver.

“The Minister promised to regulate ridesharing technology with 'the lightest touch possible’. Despite recent reforms, we are still far from this point. ACT will ensure the Minister’s answers in the House today are backed up with real reform.”

ENDS

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