Young drivers in the Ballina electorate will be given a cash incentive to help them buy a newer, safer vehicle, under a program announced by the NSW Nationals, if the Coalition is re-elected in March.
The new Safer Cars for Country Kids program will provide a $5000 subsidy for up to 1,000 young drivers to help them purchase a safer car.
Nationals candidate for Ballina, Josh Booyens said this would help save lives in the region by getting younger people into safer cars.
‘This new program will help to get old and unsafe cars off our regional roads and make it easier for young drivers to get behind the wheel of a newer safer car,’ said Mr Booyens.
‘We want our kids to upgrade to a more modern vehicle with better safety features, like stability control, to keep them and others safe when driving on regional roads.
‘While country residents make up only one-third of the NSW population, two-thirds of all fatalities occur on country roads, that’s why we’re rolling out new initiatives that keep our kids as safe as possible on our roads,’ he said.
Trial in selected country areas
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the initiative recognised that young drivers are much more likely to inherit the old family car, or buy an older, cheaper or less safe vehicle as their first car.
‘Every parent wants to know their kids are in the safest possible car when they head off down the road, especially in the regions where they are driving longer distances and dealing with additional challenges like varying road conditions and wildlife,’ said Mr Toole.
‘This landmark trial will provide a helping hand to young drivers to buy a safer set of wheels – and give their families greater confidence in their safety every time they’re on the road.’
Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will first trial up to 50 young people in selected areas, before rolling out in phases to all regional areas across the state.
‘This trial will provide us feedback on what works and what doesn’t,’ said Mr Farraway.
‘If you’re under the age of 25, drive a car with a used car safety rating of 1 or 2 stars, or [a car which] is unrated and over 16 years old you may be eligible to participate in the program and upgrade to a safer vehicle,’ he said.
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