Top

The Corona Crucible – Sun 26th July

World 16.1 million    India 1.3 million       Russia 800K+                       

The last time I put petrol in my car was the start of March and I still have a third of a tank. When we go out shopping, we generally go in Neil’s car. He’s only filled up once since March. My car sat under the carport for a couple of months during the first lockdown. I normally travel less than 10,000 km each year anyway, but of course, like everyone who is driving less at the moment, I still have to pay insurance and registration. Registration is now over $800 which I paid last month. The cost seems to go up every year.

One of the possible changes that may be introduced post COVID-19, is a user pays system. It’s been suggested that a congestion tax could replace many car costs, including registration, stamp duty, TAC and the fuel excise. Back in March, Infrastructure Victoria proposed the plan that would see a distance-based charge for every kilometre travelled that could be extended to public transport as well and replace MYKI system. The state government has said they are examining the plan, but there are much higher priorities to think about just now.

Another 459 cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed overnight in Victoria. There were over 42,000 tests conducted in the past 24 hours, which is a record high. There are more than 4,200 active cases now in Victoria. Ten people in aged care homes died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Surely this upward trend has to stop soon.