Push to introduce annual roadworthy checks for older vehicles in Victoria

There are calls to introduce mandatory yearly safety checks on cars more than eight years old in Victoria.

The Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) CEO, Geoff Gwylim, says the proposed policy, which is similar to the system already in operation in NSW, comes in response to alarming reports from mechanics.

“We’ve got 5000 members across Victoria and Tasmania that fix cars and we get reports almost daily of cars that are … up on hoists that are unroadworthy. As times get tighter people will say to a mechanic ‘Look I understand what you’re saying to me but just do the bare minimum’,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“I can buy a car today and drive it for 50 years on the roads in Victoria without a safety check or roadworthy.”

The Department of Transport claims there’s no evidence unroadworthy cars are more accident prone, but Mr Gwylim says that’s because data isn’t collected after most crashes.

Press PLAY below to hear why the VACC is pushing for the change