VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, has slammed the idea of tracking devices in cars.
A report on roads and transport, to be released by Treasury Secretary Ken Henry, will propose every vehicle be fitted with a tracking device in order to charge motorists who driver further, at peak times and in designated city areas.
“This is a ridiculous idea,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.
“There have been some crazy road traffic proposals over the years, but this one tops the lot.
“This is yet another attack on the motorist. Why does the Government think it right tovictimise the very people who make this country tick?
“Motorists are not irresponsible, gas-guzzling, eco-vandals. Motorists are people commuting to work, delivering and collecting vital goods and services, parents taking the kids to school or visiting elderly relatives.
“This Government should not be monitoring and tracking them. It smacks of ‘Big-Brother’.
“This is yet another blatant money making exercise targeting the motorist. If vehicle owners were assured the income raised from tracking devices was to be ploughed back into road safety and enhancement initiatives it might be a different matter. But we all know that this will not be the case.
“And to say the device would be secured and sealed inside the vehicle is just naïve. Australians are a resourceful lot and it would not be long before people found a way to manipulate and reset the device.
“This is an unworkable and unrealistic proposal and one that should be chucked in the waste bin immediately. Motorists are responsible tax payers who deserve more respect than this. This proposal for tracking devices is completely off-track as far as we are concerned,” Mr Purchase said.