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Car drivers will be able to pay registration in instalments.
By BILAL AHMED SYED
Victorians can now split their vehicle registration.
People struggling with paying registration every year will be able to pay every three months or six months instead.
Monash arts student Georgie said the new system would be helpful for students.
“This new system really helps me as a student to pay my registration and I feel due to this new system there is no longer a sort of discouragement for students," she said.
"A friend of mine recently decided to sell his car because he couldn’t afford to pay the annual registration fees.”
From January 1, 2018, owners of cars, utes, vans, motorcycles and other light vehicles can switch to shorter-term registrations, or continue paying the annual fee.
The average three-month registration will cost $200.20, and the average for six-month registrations will be $400.40.
The Acting Premier, Jacinta Allan, and the Roads Minister, Luke Donnellan, said the change would help millions of Victorians.
“We will continue to take action where we can to support Victorian families and reduce their cost of living,” said Ms Allan said.
The short-term registration will be available for light vehicles, exempting trailers, for new and renewing registrations.
Mr Donnellan said finding $800 once a year put many people under pressure.
“We’re giving people a chance to spread the cost of owning a car out over the whole year,” Mr Donnellan said.
According to VicRoads, to allow vehicle owners to access short-term registration, they should create an account on the VicRoads website.
“You’ll also get the added bonus of reminder emails and texts to ensure you don’t miss a payment,” said VicRoads.
About 4.47 million Victorians will be eligible to make the change from annual registration to the short-term option by next year.
Short-term registration payment has currently successfully been implemented in Queensland.