RACV service contractors are leaving the sector as fewer breakdowns leave drivers stranded on Loddon roads.
Mitch Davey has just finished a three-year stint being called out from his Raywood base at all hours to get cars running again in a service area that covered Serpentine and the Loddon Valley Highway.
And Bridgewater’s Tim Ferguson will relinquish the callout role with RACV in August after 20 years when his current contract expires.
RACV contractors at Rochester and Elmore are also expected to retire, according to Mitch who is in the process of selling his Raywood Motors business.
Mr Davey and Mr Ferguson had been alternating weekend duties.
Last year Mr Davey said he had 200 callouts compared with between 800 and 1000 for contractors in Rochester and Elmore and 10,000 for the Bendigo service agent.
“Cars are not breaking down as much these days,” said Mr Ferguson.
Mr Davey said there would be some weeks without callouts.
“You’re on call 24/7 but it’s hit and miss,” he said. “I can’t do it any more.”
RACV charges customers $129 a year for basic roadside assistance membership.
The Victorian motoring association has advertised the tender for Serpentine and Bridgewater, that stetches up the Calder Highway to Wedderburn. Bids closed last week.
Meanwhile, Mr Davey is also concerned about the capacity of Raywood’s fire brigade to respond to incidents after he leaves the area.
Mr Davey said he was raising the matter with CFA hierarchy. One of the few accredited truck drivers, he said the number of available volunteers in town during the day was an issue for the brigade capabilities.
And he said the impact was greater on self-employed members.
“When I turn out to fight a fire it costs me money,” Mr Davey said.
“There are times when good crews from Serpentine or Dingee also turn out.”
Mr Davey said he had been the only truck driver in town during the week.
The CFA says it has 51,978 volunteers although 44 per cent are in support roles or junior members.
CFA volunteer numbers across Victoria has been in decline since before COVID.