Cheap cars coming for vulnerable drivers in Victoria

Young and old drivers in Victoria will have easy access to much safer cars under two schemes set to hit the road this year.

Vulnerable drivers will be able to trade up to newer, safer, cars at a reduced cost under new programs set to be trialled by the Victorian Government.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced two initiatives on social media, where he said young and old drivers on a tight budget will have easier access to cars with five-star safety ratings.

“The vehicles produced today are light years from my first car – a red VB Commodore,” Mr Andrews said.

“But upgrading isn’t always affordable – particularly if you’ve saved hard for your very first wheels or you’re on a pension.

“And plenty of young people are driving cars older than they are.”

ANCAP crash shows drivers of older cars are less likely to survive crashes.

Full details surrounding the trials have not been released.

But the government will make it easier to replace 1000 older, unsafe vehicles with newer models loaded with safety gear. The program targeting young at-risk drivers will be by invitation only, and subject to strict eligibility criteria.

Older Australians in regional Victoria will be able to lease new cars with modern safety gear at a reduced cost.

Modern hatchbacks such as the Mazda2 are loaded with technology that can help prevent a crash from occurring.

Former prime minister Julia Gillard attempted to get a cash-for-clunkers scheme surrounding vehicle emissions in place in 2010, but it stalled before the government could implement the program.

A spokesman for the Victorian Government said its scheme focused on safety features such as auto emergency braking and electronic stability control that can save lives.

“This isn’t about removing classic cars, it’s about incentivising both younger and older people to drive cars with better safety features,” he said.

The safety scheme is more likely to target Magnas than Mustangs.

Carla Hoorweg, chief executive of the ANCAP safety body responsible for new car safety ratings, said

68 per cent of vehicle occupants killed on Victorian roads in 2020 were travelling in vehicles that were more than 10 years old.

“This pilot program proposed by the Victorian Government is a welcome move,” she said.

“Vehicle safety has improved markedly over the past decade, and providing our most at-risk drivers with an opportunity to travel in newer, safer vehicles will help maximise the road safety benefit for everyone.

“Safety is no longer a luxury, and for between $10,000 and $15,000 there are a number of safer vehicle choices that our younger and older drivers will have access to through this initiative.”

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries representing car makers, said “”it is excellent to see a Government considering the concept of upgrading older, less safe vehicles for newer vehicles which have greater safety features – especially for the community’s most vulnerable road users”.

“The automotive industry subscribes to a process of continuous improvement in terms of both passive and active safety in the development and production of motor vehicles … assisting new and older drivers to access these vehicles can only improve road related safety outcomes.”