LIBS TO SCRAP BIKE 'SAFETY LEVY' TAX.

May 1, 2006 3:39 PM AEST

There must be an election in the air, as the Victorian Liberal Party have come out with a transport policy that promises to axe the controversial 'safety levy' on Victorian motorcycle riders, introduced by the Bracks Labour Government in 2002.

Shadow transport minister Terry Mulder said the Liberals will, " Scrap the unfair $53.90 'Motorcycle Safety Levy' currently imposed on 110,000 registered motorcycles in Victoria". Opposition leader, Robert Doyle backed the shadow minister's statement adding that the levy was unfair, the $4 million it generates each year no more than a "revenue grab".

The Liberal stance may well have been influenced by MRA lobbying, the MRA's Damien Codognotto presenting a petition signed by 8,600 to State Parliament on April 5 protesting against the $53.90 annual charge. Codognotto claimed the tax had achieved nothing for motorcyclists and was bad for road safety, the environment and traffic congestion.

Premier Steve Bracks has stated he will not abolish the tax. A Victorian State election is tipped for later this year.