The government under pressure to rethink proposed hike in taxes on polluting cars
May 30, 2008
The UK government is under intense pressure from hauliers and also its own MPs to change its mind on measures, which threaten to increase the driving cost. The Labour MPs state that ‘poorer’ motorists will suffer most from the intended plan to hike road taxes on heavily polluting cars. Apparently, road hauliers are also angered that fuel duty is set to increase by 2p this autumn. However, environment minister Joan Ruddock stated, the government could not (afford to) lose sight of the environment agenda even while she sympathised with motorists.
The MPs state they are worried about the potential impact of a proposed change in vehicle excise duty that will see drivers paying more for heavily polluting cars registered since the 2001 end. Already 35 Labour MPs have signed a motion that calls on the Treasury to rethink about the retrospective elements of the policy.
They want to caution the chancellor that the government could well lose votes over the issue when Parliament returns next week. According to MP for Wolverhampton South West, Rob Marris, medium-sized family cars, depending on the type of engine and the of emissions, could be hit very hard.
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