The RACQ has called for registration prices in Queensland to either be frozen for another three years, or brought into line with other states … Queenslanders pay up to $200 more to register some cars.

THE RACQ has called on both sides of state politics, in the lead up to the Queensland state election, to freeze registration prices for another three years, or to bring them into line with other states, with Queenslanders given the option to pay fees monthly or quarterly. The RACQ has also called on the Queensland State Government to clamp down on “the misleading and fraudulent fuel station price signage across the State”. The current freeze ends in six months time.

RACQ supported the three-year freeze on car registration fees introduced by the current State Government, but said it had still not brought costs down to what motorists pay in other States, said RACQ Executive General Manager Advocacy Paul Turner.

“The freeze saved motorists up to $44.40 over the last three years, but we still pay more than motorists in every other State,” Turner said.

“How is it fair that Queenslanders pay $50 more a year to register the same four cylinder car than Victorians? Or $200 a year more to register a medium car?

“RACQ urges both the LNP and Labor to commit to a further three year freeze, or a straight reduction in registration costs to bring them down to where they sit in the other States. Motorists also need to be able to pay quarterly or monthly.”

RACQ also called for the State Government to follow the example set by NSW and South Australia where petrol stations are only allowed to show the price for unleaded, premium, diesel and LPG. In other states, including Queensland, petrol stations are allowed to show a discounted price at the top of the board with the discounted price only applicable to those with an eligible ‘shopper docket’.

“We believe this causes confusion for motorists, reduces genuine competition and therefore adds to the price we’re paying in Queensland.

“Current fuel price signs outside fuel stations are, more often than not, a rort and cost motorists hundreds of dollars a year,” Turner said.

“Most petrol station signs show a highlighted discount price which is not available to many motorists. How can we have genuine competition in the fuel market if the prices on the signs are dependent on having the right voucher or making in-store purchases?

“Both the LNP and Labor have balked at taking on the fuel giants and instituting fair and transparent price signage despite other States successfully doing so.”