Road tax changes are set to affect 9.4 million motorists in 2010-11. These reforms will effect the ‘gas guzzlers’ of the motoring world according to the government.
Estimates have stated that 43% of vehicles made since 2001 will be effected by the way of £245 for the most polluting. 18% of vehicles being taxed should see a decline in their tax cost.
Gordon Brown and labour have been accused of miss-leading the public by saying that the, “majority of drivers will benefit”, from the tax changes. An apology and retraction of this statement was called upon by David Cameron, the Tory leader. The labour party refused this and quoted themselves as saying the “the majority of motorists will benefit or pay no more in vehicle excise duty as a result”.
The government figures for 2010-11 show that only about a fifth of drivers will be better off, while four-fifths will either pay more car tax or the same.
The semantics between the parties do not however change the fact that road users, will once again be footing a new cost for driving their cars. Can anyone really dispute the argument of lower carbon emissions when it comes down to it though?
That was the position the government had repeatedly set out and was confirmed by the Treasury figures, Mr Brown's spokesman added.
Ms Eagle said experts believed that in 2009-10, "a third of cars will be better off in real terms, and in total, approximately 55% of cars will be no worse off".
However, it is believed that a little more than 44% - 8.7 million vehicles, all in the six top-polluting bands - will pay more, she added.
For 2010-11, 18% (3.9 million people) will pay less tax, 39% (8.5 million) will see no difference and 43% (9.4 million) will be worse off.
It is calculated that the Exchequer will receive more than £1 billion in additional revenue from the scheme by 2011.
Backbenchers within the labour government have also reacted to this proposed tax change. Claiming that it is set to alienate core voters for the labour government, the working class. Over 50 backbenchers have signed an amendment for consideration.
This point was reiterated by AA president Edmund King stating that the changes were “politically dangerous” in the current climate of changing petrol prices and costs of motoring in general.
The Liberal Democrats' transport spokesman, Norman Baker, said the government "must have a death wish" by introducing taxes which were "penalising" people for having cars they may have chosen several years ago.
"Eventually we should cut car taxes and introduce road charges on a pay-as-you-go basis that will not penalise those with no option but to drive," Mr Baker added.
Exemptions from the proposed road tax changes;
Yes – the following are exempt from road tax:
• Any car which emits less than 100g/km of CO2 (band A vehicles)
• Electric cars
• Motorists who declare Statutory Off Road Notification, or SORN – if your car won’t be used or parked on a public road for a year
• Disabled drivers with exemption certificate DLA404
• Motorists who receive the War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement and have a WPA442 form
• Vehicles registered before January 1, 1973
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