Gympie drivers told to prepare for July 1 price hikes

The RACQ has reignited calls for the Palaszczuk Government to freeze rego price hikes, as the cost to motorists has risen by more than 13 per cent over the last five years.

Gympie drivers have been warned to expect price hikes for licence and registration fees with the beginning of the new financial year.

The RACQ has pleaded with the Queensland Government to freeze ongoing vehicle registration price increases, with costs for drivers to keep themselves and their cars legally allowed on the road set to jump again this week.

It was confirmed this week that driver‘s licence and vehicle rego fees will go up by 1.7 per cent on Thursday, in line with the Brisbane Consumer Price Index and the beginning of the new financial year.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said drivers everywhere can expect a harder hit to the wallet when renewing their licenses or keeping their cars registered in the 2021/22 financial year.

Ms Ritchie said the RACQ had renewed calls for the State Government to freeze rego price hikes because the cost to motorists had risen by more than 13 per cent over the last five years.

“The cost of a five year licence will climb to $187.10, while those driving a four-cylinder car will have to pay $399.55 per year to register their vehicle,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Transport taxes and charges are already the third highest cost for Queensland households so it’s disappointing to see more strain being put on families, especially with many people still overcoming the financial impact of COVID-19,” she said.

“Our Transport Cost Survey shows households with more than one vehicle spend, on average, around $1,300 on registration (including CTP) per year, and we believe that these costs are becoming unaffordable for many.”

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Ms Ritchie warned drivers would also pay a higher price for breaking road laws.

“The State Government’s penalty unit is increasing by 3.3 per cent, moving to $137.85, which means if you’re caught driving 13km/h to 20km/h over the speed limit you’ll face a $275 fine, so it pays to drive safely and obey the road rules,” she said.