Foreign drivers to be targeted in licensing blitz
Fears that foreign drivers don’t know Victorian road rules have led to a crackdown on motorists driving with an overseas licence.
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Foreign drivers are the target of a licensing crackdown amid concern they have inadequate skills and don’t know the road rules.
Motorists with a temporary visa have been allowed to drive with an overseas licence indefinitely.
But new rules in the works mean they’ll soon have to convert to a Victorian licence within six months of residency.
Police have backed the overhaul.
Road Policing Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane told the Sunday Herald Sun: “If a temporary visitor is planning to drive on our roads — whether that be for leisure or in a work capacity — it is important for them to be confident and aware of the road rules.”
“This change will give us the best chance in preventing road trauma on Victorian roads,’’ he said.
A Department of Transport consultation paper states allowing temporary visa holders to drive on an overseas licence indefinitely creates “potential road safety and enforcement issues”.
These included overseas drivers having inadequate skills and insufficient knowledge of road rules and the environment.
There was also an “inability to enforce all roads safety laws and regulations”.
About 4 per cent of all traffic infringements in Victoria are issued to people with overseas or interstate licences.
“Victoria Police welcomes any changes that improves road safety in Victoria,’’ Mr Leane said.
“Interstate and overseas visitors to Victoria intending to drive need to ensure they understand Victorian road rules before they get behind the wheel.
“They need to be aware that they are required to abide by the same rules as any other road users.
“If found breaking the law, international drivers will lose demerits, be issued an infringement, or be required to appear before the court just like everyone else.”
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State Government spokeswoman Hayley Bester said it was reviewing public submissions and Department of Transport advice on the proposed changes.
“An announcement will be made soon,’’ she said.
More than 16,000 international drivers have so far this year converted to Victorian licences.
Just two years ago the figure across 12 months was only 7300.