Media Release

30 June 2000

LICENSING REVIEW WELCOMED

New Zealand First has welcomed the announcement that the new driver licensing regime is to be reviewed.

Issues previously raised with the Minister by the Party’s transport spokesperson, Peter Brown included:

 the discriminatory nature of charges especially in relation to the elderly;
 graduated driving licenses;
 charges for young drivers;
 refunds for postponed driving tests;
 the effects of the AA acting as driving school examiners, and licence suppliers; and
 operational and administrational deficiencies.

“The conduct of the testing regime for our senior citizens has at times been heavy handed and insensitive. Reports from some parts of the country suggest that our senior motorists have been treated with contempt. Certainly the costs that have to be borne by the elderly are excessive,” said Peter Brown.

“The objectives of safer roads and saved lives cannot be compromised but neither should we treat some of our drivers as second-class citizens. I hope that the review will address the appropriate concerns,” concluded Peter Brown.

END

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