Are we really getting anywhere..

[GOONR]

with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/columnists/teresa-o-connor/3092700/You-re-off-your-bikes-over-I-that-I)

Extract..

"What sticks in my craw about the protests is the fact the protesters are only concerned with the impact of the changes on their pockets, with the fact they might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle.

They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest."

[Mom]

with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/columnists/teresa-o-connor/3092700/You-re-off-your-bikes-over-I-that-I)

Extract..

"What sticks in my craw about the protests is the fact the protesters are only concerned with the impact of the changes on their pockets, with the fact they might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle.

They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest."

They should have come along to our little gathering at Mission bay then to hear what I was saying. I might have to respond to that editorial actually.

[Ixion]

Replied .



Hi

I guess you weren't there. Or you would have heard the speaker we invited from ACCFutures (http://www.accfutures.org.nz), covering exactly the points you raise. And you'd have been able to pick up a copy of The Biker's manifesto . Article 1 says "The Woodhouse principles must be preserved and respected". And you'd have heard our question to the Minister - "Who's next ?"

And you'd have heard me say to the audience that we were all mugs if all we were there for was to complain about a few hundred dollars extra levy. Because the great majority of those there spent far more to be there than the increase . In time off work, in fuel, accomodation. We'd be better off just to pay up and shut up. We won't. Because it's not right. This isn't how ACC is supposed to be.

We turned out and rode hundreds of kilometres in the rain to send a message to the government - to leave ACC alone. We rode, because so many of those affected by the planned changes can't make themselves heard. What have YOU done to speak for them?

You weren't there. So you didn't hear that. But you could have done some research. It's what real journalists do.

Or - you could have made the sacrifice of time and money yourself. And been there. To help send that message.

Harder than just spouting off a load of stereotypes, though.

(Oh, and yes, the bikers' submission will be before the select committeee. Will yours? )

[Ixion]

BTW it wasn't an editorial, it was an opinion column.

[yungatart]

Posted my comment.
Every day, I'm gobsmacked by the idiots in our media...more fool me, I guess. I should no longer be surprised!

[Mom]

The Editor

Dear Sir

I would like to make a comment regarding Teresa O'Connor's piece in your paper today headed up "You're off your bikes over that?" Your emphasis not mine for the record. Specifically I am surprised to see her saying "They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest" .

Bikers are justifyable angry over the proposed levy hikes. However, it would be a very naive journalist or polititian that thinks we are not deeply concerned about the entire effects on our society by the changes that are being proposed and indeed made. I was the organiser of a Protest in Auckland last Sunday where we clearly stated our concerns. These changes are broad reaching and will effect every single one of us. Why do you suppose our protest T-Shirts and vests state WHO'S NEXT?

The following from my speech:

"ACC, designed by Owen Woodhouse, and implemented in 1974, was designed and adopted to provide a scheme for all New Zealanders to benefit from in times of injury. It is unique in the world, because it negated the need to sue through the courts. In return for giving up that right, we received a system of compensation that treated everyone fairly. It was never user-pays, everyone contributed equally, and the fund covered you regardless of fault. The words risk and liability do not belong with the founding principles of the Act that ACC is based on. They belong to an Insurance company, which ACC was never designed to be.

"So what do we want then? It’s simple really. We want a FAIR GO. Equity. No-fault setting of levies. Equal contributions. Don’t penalise us for our choice of transport, or our leisure activity. Don’t penalise us for our vulnerability. Accidents and injuries are the result of mistakes. We should not be paying higher levies for being the victim of a mistake, no matter who made it. No fault remember. We want a return to the Woodhouse principles that founded the ACC scheme that sets us up as a first in the world. We want ACC to return to its roots, accident prevention and a no fault system.

Everyone should be asking questions about what National is attempting to do. We are not alone here. We are simply the EASY TARGET. EVERYONE will be affected by what is happening. Educate yourselves people. Get out there and spread the message."

I think that Teresa should also educate herself about exactly what the bikers are protesting about, and leave the broad generalisations alone.

Yours etc

I wonder if he will publish it :D

[firefighter]

I've had a read, and this twat is definitely under the impression that motorcylists are for the most part rich middleaged men.

I'd like a chat with this person to show them just how rich i'm not and that i'm far from the poorest amounst us.

For some reason the writer thinks the majority of us have the funds for "heading off to Harley-Davidson rallies in Australia or the United States at the drop of a helmet."

"that's right, those poor, underprivileged, suffering bikers with their BMWs, their Honda Gold Wings, their Harleys and their Ducatis"

"might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle"

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.

[Ronin]

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa203/petluvins/PityTheFool.jpg

[Mom]

I've had a read, and this twat is definitely under the impression that motorcylists are for the most part rich middleaged men.

I'd like a chat with this person to show them just how rich i'm not and that i'm far from the poorest amounst us.

For some reason the writer thinks the majority of us have the funds for "heading off to Harley-Davidson rallies in Australia or the United States at the drop of a helmet."

"that's right, those poor, underprivileged, suffering bikers with their BMWs, their Honda Gold Wings, their Harleys and their Ducatis"

"might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle"

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.


Write to the Editor

mailbox@nelsonmail.co.nz

[NighthawkNZ]

"I'm afraid I can't get too sympathetic to those bleating about paying an extra $500 a year to register their pride and joy when that's small change to many "

Fucken hell. I bet the bitch is a WINZ beneficiary that thinks everyone with a job is rich and her opinion is worth a listen.

I struggle paying my rego as it is and yes I ride a ducati, does mean I make a lot of money... arogant bitch

[hayd3n]

short answer "yes" its only the start

[firefighter]

I struggle paying my rego as it is and yes I ride a ducati, does mean I make a lot of money... arogant bitch

My point exactly, I also struggle to get the money together for a Rego, and i'm only on a 900 Hornet!.........Hardly the "Goldwing rider" with a lot of expendible cash. I do'nt own a car so I can have a bike.

[86GSXR]

Unbelievable.

Dear Teresa

If you had been listening to the message that bikers were sending to Government and ACC you may have noted that we were indeed siding with other users of the ACC system AND trying to prevent other good folk (such as cyclists, sports players, the elderly, and other ordinary accident prone New Zealanders, to name a few) from becoming the next targets.

The Woodhouse Principles of a fair, no blame compensation system were most certainly at the forefront of our minds when we rode to Parliament on the 17th.

You may wish to conduct further research into the ACC 'stats' and in doing so you may well discover that you have been a victim of 'spin'.

It matters not what demographic we come from, nor what we choose to do while taking a break from paying our taxes to support others. We have a right to enjoy our life choices just as you have a right to enjoy yours, in accordance with the Wooodhouse Principles.

I hope the day never comes when you find yourself the target of a large levy to enjoy your chosen recreational pursuit or simply your method of getting to work because of it's perceived risk and the ease in which it can be collected.

[GOONR]

BTW it wasn't an editorial, it was an opinion column.

haha, I realised that after I had posted, but farking hell what a load of bollocks. I bet her opinion won't change though because people like that are too lazy to go out and get the facts for themselves.

[phred]

Write to the Editor

mailbox@nelsonmail.co.nz

Done before I made an ACC claim for stress induced high blood pressure

[Mom]

Done before I made an ACC claim for stress induced high blood pressure

Dont what ever you do make a claim, them bastards will classify it as motorcycle related :dodge:

Sadly bling limits are imposed on this forum.

[FastBikeGear]

[QUOTE=GOONR;1129532878]with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/columnists/teresa-o-connor/3092700/You-re-off-your-bikes-over-I-that-I)

Here's the response I posted using the comment function. I wonder if the moderator will let it through?

"I congratulate this journalist on recognising the impact that the introduction of the new ACC bill has on just about every New Zealander's ACC future premiums. Most journalists have failed to percieve that the issue of risk rated premiums goes well beyond motorcyclists.

While Motorcyclists cars drivers and Truck drivers are the first to experience risk rated ACC premiums it is frankly arrogant of them to think that they are the only recognisable group that are moving to Risk Rated premiums.

Now that a precedent has been set for risk rated premiums we can expect risk rated premiums to be introduced for cyclists, rugby players, etc. So that individuals can asses what their mocked up an ACC Premium Calculator.

This can be viewed here.http://www.salesfish.co.nz/www-ACC-Insurance-co-nz/ACC_Premium_Calculator.pdf

The new ACC bill that introduces risk rating can be viewed here. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2009/0090/latest/DLM2417501.html#DLM2417501

[scissorhands]

The journalist's name is Teresa O'connor. She also has an accompanying article ripping strips off Rodney Hide

Strikes me a Government Rottweiler who gets siked onto those in the governments firing line.

We can never win with the media, some journalists are aiming high in life....must keep...wiping..the..brown..off my ...nose.... Please dont hang on their words, they are poison, and you will only be manipulated and destroyed.

Recently, I stopped reading the papers and watching the news like I used to, and experienced a reduced feeling of frustration, less anger, a sense of freedom and clarity of mind, once those reinforced messages became less prevalent in my day to day life.

The newspaper like TV is a conditioning vehicle. Why expose yourself to conditioning?

Heres my comment

The altruism you speak of in regard to protest is alive and well in NZ. The bikers rights groups main mantra is

'ACC, who's next'.

As for cronyism and journalistic endeavor, by not practicing what you have preached, one could forgive those not able to see through the conditioning being pedaled by those who could rightly be called 'a tool of the state' 'an inner circle party member' or as bikers like to say, 'a drone'

[scissorhands]

Heres our comments:


Alex #13 10:14 am Nov 25 2009

"$58.97 to $257.58 to register a moped (honda express moped - http://hondaexpress.blogspot.com )" - That's rediculous! I am not as opinionated about this article as others. Write whatever you want. It's the internet and people can choose to believe whatever they want.
Virago #12 10:38 pm Nov 24 2009

Oh dear.

Such a sloppy piece of ill-informed and prejudiced nonsense.

Everything, from the figures you quote, to your outrageously farcicle stereotyping, is completely wrong.

But don't worry - we won't tar all "journalists" with the same brush.
Alec W #11 08:37 pm Nov 24 2009

Got to give you kudos, Teresa, for having the audacity to publish this crock of baseless opinion AND put your name to it. It would have taken very little effort for you to have validated (or rather invalidated) your opinions before putting them into print.
phaedrus #10 06:24 pm Nov 24 2009

"the history of protest is a proud one that has always been about a wider international, national, social or community good, rather than in pursuit of purely individualistic ends"

the campaign is changing to include the other people who will feel the pinch from acc, after all "who's next" in the gradual privatization of the ACC system.
James Riley #9 06:23 pm Nov 24 2009

Hi, I have read your article with interest, however it seems that you harbor a certain amount of prejudice against bikers. We ride for a whole spectrum of reasons and can all see what ACC and the government doing is using us as a smoke screen for the other changes.

I have been riding for 20 years, I only drive if I have to. For me motorcycles are a way of life not just a mode of transport. I know bikes can be dangerous and there is a risk involved in riding them. To stay in one piece I have learned to manage the risks involved. Continuously improving my skills and use of top quality protective gear minimises my chance of getting hurt. ACC could assist with both of these, particularly the training aspect, under their prevention banner, they offer little in this area. Even this does not really bother me, it is after all my skin I need to protect.

As for the increase in levy it does not concern me about the amount this is just a number it is the distance they are deviating from the Woodhouse principles that is the major concern. The campaign slogan which you neglected to mention is "It's YOU Next!". This does not lend to the selfish image you are portraying. Yes, the first protest was from the bikers perspective, the organisation which has gone in to this was phenomenal. Next I would hope that we could join forces with all sectors being unfairly impacted either by rapidly raising premiums or reduced care. Whilst this list would cover most of the country the rest of the population may well be opposed to having their safety net sold off to a private insurance company. This will operate mostly as a monopoly for quite a few years until competition can be established.

Do we really want to see our hospitals turning away accident victims because their personal insurance is not paid up? Do we really want to have to leave hospital only to have to visit the lawyer? Do you want to be turned down for treatment because you are not cost effective?

It is this I am fighting for.
Paul #8 06:17 pm Nov 24 2009

I am deeply concerned at the lack of investigation that the writer of this article displays. The price’s quoted are inaccurate. The price increases quoted are only the ACC levy on the private Motor vehicle that happens to be a Motorcycle, the total price to register a over 650cc motorcycle goes up to about $900.

As to the inference that all Motorcyclists can afford to take off on round the world trips that is totally false. I personally use my 40hp 650cc Motorcycle for a mixture of commuting and touring trips. As a full time employed single parent of two teenagers I find the assumptions made in this article appalling. I attended the Bikeoi in Wellington, and it is interesting to note that one of the speakers at the event was from the ACC Futures coalition, who in no way purely represent Motorcyclists. In fact I would say a lot of Bikers are more aware of the proposed changes to the ACC legislation than the general public.

It would be great to see a well investigated article about not only the changes to Motorcycle levies, but all the changes planed for ACC levies, and how much it is going to cost the average New Zealand household. Like the planned increases to the Employees Levy. The planned increase to the private car levy, the planned increase on the amount collected on fuel. Yep all those are planned to go up as well.

Paul
Liam Venter #7 06:06 pm Nov 24 2009

I congratulate this journalist on recognising the impact that the introduction of the new ACC bill has on just about every New Zealander's ACC future premiums. Most journalists have failed to percieve that the issue of risk rated premiums goes well beyond motorcyclists.

While Motorcyclists cars drivers and Truck drivers are the first to experience risk rated ACC premiums it is frankly arrogant of them to think that they are the only recognisable group that are moving to Risk Rated premiums.

Now that a precedent has been set for risk rated premiums we can expect risk rated premiums to be introduced for cyclists, rugby players, etc. So that individuals can asses what their mocked up an ACC Premium Calculator.

This can be viewed here.http://www.salesfish.co.nz/www-ACC-Insurance-co-nz/ACC_Premium_Calculator.pdf

The new ACC bill that introduces risk rating can be viewed here. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2009/0090/latest/DLM2417501.html#DLM2417501
Big Al #6 05:39 pm Nov 24 2009

Dear Teresa

If you had been listening to the message that bikers were sending to Government and ACC you may have noted that we were indeed siding with other users of the ACC system AND trying to prevent other good folk (such as cyclists, sports players, the elderly, and other ordinary accident prone New Zealanders, to name a few) from becoming the next targets.

The Woodhouse Principles of a fair, no blame compensation system were most certainly at the forefront of our minds when we rode to Parliament on the 17th.

You may wish to conduct further research into the ACC 'stats' and in doing so you may well discover that you have been a victim of 'spin'.

It matters not what demographic we come from, nor what we choose to do while taking a break from paying our taxes to support others. We have a right to enjoy our life choices just as you have a right to enjoy yours, in accordance with the Wooodhouse Principles.

I hope the day never comes when you find yourself the target of a large levy to enjoy your chosen recreational pursuit or simply your method of getting to work because of it's percieved risk and the ease in which it can be collected.
Frank #5 05:30 pm Nov 24 2009

The altruism you speak of in regard to protest is alive and well in NZ. The bikers rights groups main mantra is

'ACC, who's next'.

As for cronyism and journalistic endeavour, by not practising what you have preached, one could forgive those not able to see through the conditioning being pedaled by those who could rightly be called 'a tool of the state' 'an inner circle party memeber' or as bikers like to say, 'a drone'
Wingrider #4 05:28 pm Nov 24 2009

If you had engaged your brain before committing pen to paper, you would know that it was as the result of our research that we uncovered a whole host of hidden agenda's with regard to the ACC levy increases, and have been active in ensuring they are conveyed to the public at large. You would also know that we are more than motivated to not only understand the principles of the Woodhouse principles, BUT are actively complaining to have ACC returned to these said principles.

This is not a matter of motorcyclists being a bit peeved off at having to dig deeper into their pockets, it's about the public as a whole being lied to by a party that thinks it has a mandate to get away with it.

You state you don't understand the attraction of our riding lifestyle. From the tone of your "opinion", my opinion is that you don't have a brain to understand anything other than to publish such a load of tripe to boost your own ego and meet your purely individualistic ends.

[gwigs]

with editorials like this, I doubt it.

Nelson Mail (http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/columnists/teresa-o-connor/3092700/You-re-off-your-bikes-over-I-that-I)

Extract..

"What sticks in my craw about the protests is the fact the protesters are only concerned with the impact of the changes on their pockets, with the fact they might have to dig a bit deeper to fund their riding lifestyle.

They'd have earned some more kudos if they'd broadened their protest to include the impact of other ACC changes on those who don't have the income or the ability to ride as a leisure pursuit; if they'd looked beyond their own situation as a reason to protest."

I think in the beginning most of us would have only been concerned about
forking out a lot of dosh...but as this thing has grown we have begun to see the bigger picture and see through the lies and misinformation from our government.Its not just about us now its about all us Kiwis...
Well thats my 10cents worth,used to be 2 cents worth but they dont make em that small now...:headbang: Power to the people

[Pedrostt500]

Ive noted that there seems to be alot of play on the reasonably well off middle aged biker, and a subtle hint that we are the ones crying over spilt milk, there is an editorial in the Hutt News page 13, that also says simmilar things, the Propergander War continues. ( sorry cant find a link)

[mikeey01]

Okay can we agree that little is going to change?
There is an indication that the levy will go down, but by a small amount.

They have yet to understand the depth and frustration of this by many.
Mr Smith has stated they are going to ignore the review process.

Where to from here?
Stage 2?
Time to ramp things up?

[Deano]

How many will refuse to pay their rego ? And refuse to pay any fine as a result ? And take it as far through the court as it has to go ?

Time for a Poll ?

[mikeey01]

not pay rego, lol something as soft as that......

No no the next level man, time for some re-action to their lack of action, now we're talking.

[sagirl]

I have just come in on the back end of this thread so if I am a bit off topic sorry about that.....
Right anyway I was thinking, what about getting a survey done, amongst the bikers (duhh) as to who will actually end up selling their bikes because of the costs. Can we not show the govt in hard cold cash terms just how much they will be losing as apposed to how much they think they will be making, by increasing the levies? Isnt that what we are actually saying under our breath? I already know some bikers who have their bikes up for sale. Lets be honest about the whole defying the law thing - I dont really want to have to go there myself.
Ask questions and get the stats in: How many vehicles do you own? How many bikes? Will they be kept or sold? etc etc. Remembering its not only the bike levies that are going up, albeit we are shouting the loudest at the moment.
On a personal level my other half and I have been bikers for about 18 years now, but will end up selling them because its more of a recreation for us than a necessity, and we wont pay the randsom. Its gonna be a sad sad day!

Just a thought......

[Pixie]

Now that's a result!!
$40 measly bucks!

ETHEL, WHERE'D YA PUT ME BOMB FIXIN'S?

[digsaw]

$40 lol did you expect any more? their plot and thinking is as expected.:2guns: shoot the fuckers i say.:soon: or right now

[NONONO]

How many will refuse to pay their rego ? And refuse to pay any fine as a result ? And take it as far through the court as it has to go ?

Time for a Poll ?

Ok, but there is a problem with this often touted plan.
There are some of us who ride every day. We don't drive cars. We go to work on our bikes, ride them for work purposes and ride for fun and travel.
How many tickets would be enough?

[Usarka]

Ok, but there is a problem with this often touted plan.
There are some of us who ride every day. We don't drive cars. We go to work on our bikes, ride them for work purposes and ride for fun and travel.
How many tickets would be enough?

18.



10mfcharluvulongtimegi

[Deano]

not pay rego, lol something as soft as that......

No no the next level man, time for some re-action to their lack of action, now we're talking.

LOL all you like but if the increased levies become law, then what ?


Ok, but there is a problem with this often touted plan.
There are some of us who ride every day. We don't drive cars. We go to work on our bikes, ride them for work purposes and ride for fun and travel.
How many tickets would be enough?

There is a problem alright - we need to be united. It would only work if we ALL (well the vast majority) refuse to pay the rego, any fines, and be prepared to take it through the courts. They can't lock up 5,000 of us eh.

I guess they would send the bailiffs round to collect property in lieu of payment - but again if we are united in our stance....

[MSTRS]

I have just come in on the back end of this thread so if I am a bit off topic sorry about that.....
Right anyway I was thinking, what about getting a survey done, amongst the bikers (duhh) as to who will actually end up selling their bikes because of the costs. Can we not show the govt in hard cold cash terms just how much they will be losing as apposed to how much they think they will be making, by increasing the levies? Isnt that what we are actually saying under our breath? I already know some bikers who have their bikes up for sale. Lets be honest about the whole defying the law thing - I dont really want to have to go there myself.
Ask questions and get the stats in: How many vehicles do you own? How many bikes? Will they be kept or sold? etc etc. Remembering its not only the bike levies that are going up, albeit we are shouting the loudest at the moment.
On a personal level my other half and I have been bikers for about 18 years now, but will end up selling them because its more of a recreation for us than a necessity, and we wont pay the randsom. Its gonna be a sad sad day!

Just a thought......

Who's going to be buying??
There'll be a LOT of bikes going on the track. And no doubt, a swag of new race classes...

[pzkpfw]

Right anyway I was thinking, what about getting a survey done, amongst the bikers (duhh) as to who will actually end up selling their bikes because of the costs.

Sorry:

1. If they stop riding, they stop crashing (percentage-wise). (Unless they all go to the track.) ACC don't care if people stop riding bikes.

2. Unless they sell the bike overseas, someone, presumably, will still be paying the fees for the bike. (Unless the buyers all do the "I won't pay my fees" thing.)

[Subike]

registration.
i understand that the fine for operating an unregisterd vehicle on the road at the moment is an instant fine of $200. correct? and if contested in court that fine can be increase to a max of $1000. correct?
so.
If I have a bike that has a current W.O.F. at the time of the no reg infringement, and imediatley go and register that bike on that day, then take the recepit for said registration to the nearest police infingment office.
Have I not then got a reasonable reason for the infringment notice to be revoked?
As by doing this I am complying with the letter of the law, as I then have a registered vehicle for the date of the infringment.
This has been tested in the past by myself and others and works.
Thus in the past 5 years, I have only had to register my bike twice, for three months each time, as I have only been stopped twice for this offence.
I always have a current W.O.F. on the bike for this to work.
The savings are not hard to work out.
But, on my side is the fact that I live in a rural area, I would expect that in urban areas this would not work as well. As I am nt in the face of the traffic enforcment as often, neither do I have to worry about parking wardens who have a nose for unregistered vehicles.

[PuppetMaster]

Its not just the cops though, the council parking wankers can also (and they do) hand out tickets for no rego. So not so good for us city dwellers.

[Pixie]

registration.
i understand that the fine for operating an unregisterd vehicle on the road at the moment is an instant fine of $200. correct? and if contested in court that fine can be increase to a max of $1000. correct?
so.
If I have a bike that has a current W.O.F. at the time of the no reg infringement, and imediatley go and register that bike on that day, then take the recepit for said registration to the nearest police infingment office.
Have I not then got a reasonable reason for the infringment notice to be revoked?
As by doing this I am complying with the letter of the law, as I then have a registered vehicle for the date of the infringment.
This has been tested in the past by myself and others and works.
Thus in the past 5 years, I have only had to register my bike twice, for three months each time, as I have only been stopped twice for this offence.
I always have a current W.O.F. on the bike for this to work.
The savings are not hard to work out.
But, on my side is the fact that I live in a rural area, I would expect that in urban areas this would not work as well. As I am nt in the face of the traffic enforcment as often, neither do I have to worry about parking wardens who have a nose for unregistered vehicles.

Excellent! This is what I will do.
Even the current levy is too much.
Fuck 'em