The fight to keep licence tests and vehicle checks in Sunshine has stepped up a notch.
A rally last week, the fifth in a series in protest against VicRoads’ decision to discontinue the services, was also the best attended, with rally organiser Peter Thomson saying the movement is gathering momentum.
“I think we’ve got a reasonable chance of winning this,” he said.
“Had you asked me at the beginning, I’d have said those odds were minimal, but now I’d say it’s a good chance.”
About 40 people attended the rally outside VicRoads’ Ballarat Road office last Wednesday.
Mr Thomson’s push to retain licence tests and vehicle checks in Sunshine has also garnered local government support with Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Moonee Valley councils adding their voice to the fight.
Brimbank council has previously said it would fight the decision to move services.
Mayor John Hedditch last week said the council would continue to push for the essential services to be retained.
“We believe this is an important access and equity issue for Brimbank residents and people from neighbouring areas, who will now have to travel much further for licence testing – to Melton, Werribee, Sunbury or Broadmeadows,” Cr Hedditch said.
“We have invited VicRoads to provide the data on current services and are waiting for VicRoads to come and discuss with council the future options for … residents living in the inner and mid-west catchment area.
“All local councils and our local MPs are now joining with Brimbank council to continue the push for licence-testing services to remain.”
VicRoads will relocate its Sunshine customer service centre and regional office to new premises at 12-14 Clarke Street, Sunshine early next year.
Registration and licensing executive director David Shelton said the new location would be inadequate for licence testing because of “extremely challenging local traffic conditions”.
VicRoads has previously cited Sunshine’s high fail rate for learner driver tests as another factor behind the decision.
Mr Shelton has said VicRoads would continue exploring options to provide services to financially disadvantaged customers.
