Media Release

15 October 2009

ACC unfairly blames motorcyclists

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) has responded to the proposed levy increases applying to motorists and in particular motorcyclists and moped riders, some of whom will be facing increases of 200% in their annual ACC levies.

“The fact that at least half of motorcycle accidents are not the responsibility of the rider is touched on in the consultation document but seems to be ignored when it comes to laying blame and talking about cross subsidies” said Mr Hellyar, Manager of the MIA Motorcycle Committee.

“There is also concern about the accuracy of much of the data used by government agencies. We know for example that in one region the cc rating of motorcycles involved in accidents was not recorded in nearly half of the incidents so this knee jerk response to a budget blow-out by ACC isn’t based on good data” he said.

Mr Hellyar continued “we will be making strong representations on behalf of all motorcyclists and moped riders. The emphasis of ACC should be on taking positive measures to reduce moped and motorcycle accidents rather than just unfairly penalising New Zealanders who choose to use a fuel efficient form of transport which improves commuter efficiency and reduces pressure on the need for more urban vehicle parking spaces.”

Mr. Hellyar concluded by saying that there was no evidence in the consultation documents that any consideration had been given to the potential for linking the ACC levy structure to the motorcycle road safety suggestions made by the Minister of Transport in his recently launched “Safer Journeys” initiative and this was a matter the Association would be taking up with the Government.

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