Smaller registration levy rise still too high - bikers

The reduction in proposed ACC levies for motorcyclist is not large enough, a Timaru biker says.

Bronz (Biker Rights Organisation New Zealand) Timaru branch president Morris Jones said the reduction announced yesterday was a step in the right direction, but ultimately there should be no increase at all.

Confirming the new levies, ACC Minister Nick Smith said registration rates for motorcycles would range from $327.70 to $426.92, compared with rates of between $511.43 and $745.77 proposed by ACC. But that is still an increase of between $75 and $174 for owners of petrol-powered motorcycles.

Mr Jones said the local branch held a rally in October which had 400 riders and presented a petition with 600 signatures opposing the increases.

"Personally I do not think they should go up at all. I have a letter from a Government official stating ACC made a profit of $11 billion last year. I have met Ruth Dyson and Jo Goodhew and you get to a point you don't know who to believe as they are poles apart.

"Assuming Labour's right, there is no reason for putting the levies up. The reduction is welcome but at the end of the day any increase is not justified."

Bronz planned a public meeting as it was not just bikers the changes affected, Mr Jones said.

Registration costs for petrol cars will rise to $198.46, up about $30 from now, but less than the $272.72 proposed by ACC. For non-petrol cars, the rate has risen to $311.38, up from $279.09.

The work levy goes up to $1.47 for every $100 of payroll, compared with $1.31 now. The earners' levy rises to $2 for every $100 earned, compared with $1.70 now.

Dr Smith said the levy increases were needed because ACC's claim costs had risen by 57 per cent in the last four years.

The Government had gone for lower motorcycle levy rises than ACC recommended, but his message to riders was that rising costs of motorcycle accidents could not be ignored.

- © Fairfax NZ News