Young car owners in the Clarence and Richmond valleys may become eligible for a NSW Nationals in Government cash incentive of up to $5000 to help replace their older vehicle with a safer one, according to Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.
The MP, who is not recontesting the 25 March NSW Election, said the Government had locked in $5 million to roll-out the program to help 1000 lucky young country motorists purchase a safer car.
“The Safer Cars for Country Kids program will help save lives in the country by getting old and unsafe cars off our roads and getting our kids into safer vehicles,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“This cash incentive is only for young people in the regions and is another signature NSW Nationals initiative to help the younger generation.”
Clarence Nationals candidate Richie Williamson was with Mr Gulaptis for the announcement at Clarence Coast Motors in Ryan Street, South Grafton on Monday along with 22-year-old local salesman, Brodie Cole.
Mr Williamson said the Government would first trial up to 50 young people in selected areas, before rolling it out in phases to all regional areas across the state.
“This is a terrific initiative that helps young people like Brodie get into a safer and more efficient vehicle,” Mr Williamson said.
“Every parent wants to know their kids are in the safest possible car when they off down the roads, especially in the regionals where they can be driving longer distances and dealing with additional challenges like dust and roos.”
Mr Gulaptis said Mr Williamson could be trusted to secure the next step to support young motorists, after the Nationals in Government had successfully fought for the multi-billion Pacific Highway upgrade, the new Grafton Bridge and the new $250 fuel cards for Richmond and Clarence Valley apprentices and Uni students.
Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said “If you’re under the age of 25, drive a car with a used car safety rating of 1 or 2 stars, or is unrated and over 16 years old you may be eligible to participate in the program and upgrade to a safer vehicle.”
The average age of vehicles in NSW is 10 years, and it takes longer for newer cars with better safety technology to filter out to younger drivers, especially those in regional areas.
Electronic Stability Control and advanced safety features such as, autonomous emergency braking or Lane Keeping System technologies have proven to reduce crashes.