(PR.co.nz) ACC has teamed up with representatives from key motorcycle, scooter and moped groups to look at ways to reduce motorbike injuries.
On 1 July, ACC introduced the Motorcycle Safety Levy (MSL) – a $30 annual fee for each registered motorcycle.
ACC is putting this money into a ring-fenced fund that will be specifically used on injury prevention initiatives to reduce the number and severity of motorcycle and moped injuries and fatalities.
To oversee the design of the programme, ACC has set up an establishment group. The group’s aim is to ensure the MSL programme is set up with motorbike and moped riders at the forefront. They met for the first time in Wellington on 14July and their first task is to develop the foundations for how the MSL programme will be administered and operated.
The group is made of eight people representing the following groups; Ulysses Club of NZ Inc, Bikers Rights Organisation of NZ (BRONZ), Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA), Motorcycling New Zealand, Scoot NZ, NZ Classic Scooter Club, Motor Industry Association, Ministry of Transport and the NZ Transport Agency. Seven of the group members are motorbike or moped riders.
Peter McIntosh, of Ulysses, sees the potential from the use of the MSL funds for motorcyclists.
“For the first time we will have a dedicated safety fund for us as riders with genuine input from the motorcycling community on what types of initiatives will really benefit us. The Government and ACC have made a genuine commitment to working with motorcyclists in the operation of the Motorcycle Safety Levy to improve the safety of all motorcyclists. It is now in place and the best thing we can all do is to take a positive step forward and support it,” said Mr McIntosh.
ACC is providing additional funding to cover administration, so that all funds collected are used directly on funding safety initiatives rather than on the administration of the programme.
ACC General Manager Injury Prevention Keith McLea says the MSL programme’s success depends on input from motorcyclists on its design and development.
“We want to ensure this programme is set up for motorcyclists by motorcyclists,” Mr McLea said.
For additional information or to register to receive updates about the MSL, visit www.acc.co.nz/motorcycle-safety-levy.
Media Release 31 July 2010 from ACC.