Getting a first car on the road can mean a ticket to freedom for many young Canberrans. But that freedom can be even more significant for those with physical mobility issues that need specially modified transport to navigate the city.
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On Tuesday the ACT Government opened a newly constructed motor vehicle inspection station at Hume designed to make that process easier as well as move some of the traffic out of the suburbs from the old Dickson site.
This change in location means heavy vehicles will no longer drive through residential areas.
Canberra man Lachlan Foot, 20, who requires a specially modified car due to his specific physical needs, said getting his wheels had a big impact on his quality of life.
"It's freedom, you can go anywhere you want, go to training, go out for dinner, gets you around everywhere," Mr Foot said.
Access Canberra Director Craig Simmons said the station works closely with Sydney engineers who modify cars. This ensures that the modified cars designed for Canberra locals are compliant with the road rules.
"It gives him (Lachlan) the freedom and ability to do things. So it is really important for people with disabilities to get the mobility that you get from having your own vehicle," Mr Simmons said.
The station charges standard prices for the inspection of modified vehicles.
The new Hume facility represents a significant technology upgrade from the Dickson station built in 1968. The station had close to 70 heavy vehicles come in every week, and due to lack of space meant most heavy vehicles needed to be decoupled to be properly inspected.
The new station means that those with modified cars, those who have written off their car or need their car identified will now be able to be served more efficiently.
The station is equipped to inspect Canberra buses including articulated buses, which will be used in Canberra soon. Local and federal police vehicles will also be using the station.
"This is important for road safety, and people's general quality of living," Minister for Regulatory Services Gordon Ramsay said.