Move To Register Vehicles In Nsw
Newcastle Herald
Saturday November 2, 2002
HUNTER companies will be targeted under a State Government push to crackdown on interstate car registrations.
New legislation has been introduced into Parliament to force owners of vehicles garaged in NSW to be registered in the State.
It follows concerns that scores of businesses and car owners are travelling interstate to register their vehicles in order to obtain discounts on government fees and green slip requirements.
The Government estimates it costs more than $1million a year in lost revenues.
The legislative crackdown is being particularly aimed at rental car companies seeking a head start on competitors by avoiding payment of NSW registration and compulsory third party insurance premiums.
Minister Assisting the Premier on Hunter Development, Richard Face, had approached Transport Minister Carl Scully over the issue after noticing a string of Newcastle-based business vehicles carrying Queensland number plates.
Newcastle-based Electrodry carpet cleaning network head Paul Burchell said a large number of vehicles were bought and registered in Queensland through a centralised operation but denied it was to save money.
Mr Burchell said once the legislation was passed he would probably be forced to register vehicles in the State in which they are garaged, adding to administrative costs.
© 2002 Newcastle Herald