New Zealand First is appalled at the proposal to increase the fee for a photographic driving licence, said New Zealand First Spokesperson Peter Brown MP.

When one takes into account that motorists already contribute in excess of $700 million into the consolidated fund due to taxes on petrol, to slug them again with increased driving licence fees is totally unreasonable.

The photographic licence was introduced principally to assist the Police maintain control, and make our roads safer. It enables police to readily identify disqualified and unqualified drivers. Previously 10% of fatal accidents involved these drivers, now that percentage is down to 6.5%. This means as a result of the photographic licence being introduced two years ago, approximately 30 people are alive today who previously would not have been. Further, the number of serious accidents has been reduced involving these drivers, with a corresponding huge saving to the taxpayer.

However, to achieve this drivers had to forsake their ‘lifetime’ licence and are now compelled to pay $29.50 every 10 years. A proposal to increase this to $40.00 or more is outrageous.

Whilst we are sympathetic and very supportive of the elderly having a reduction in fee charges Government should not stop seeking ways to remove unfairness and inequities, in respect to all driving licensing issues.

New Zealand First remains implacably opposed to any increase in the fee for a photographic driving licence, concluded Peter Brown.

ENDS

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