We, the people, the urban ne'er do wells who drive to work because we need to survive, we are the endangered species here.
In the UK in recent years, the Green Menace that is the propaganda wing of most governments, geared the tax on vehicles to penalise CO2 emissions. With the current advances in technology, these emissions have now come so low in private vehicles that the English government has a major tax shortfall. They are addressing this by moving the goalposts, they are now looking at adding penalties to larger engines, and are penalising use in inner cities, like London.
Here in Ireland, our own Road Tax has always used the simpler method of taxing large engines off the roads. Our Finance Minister recently moved one of our tax break points from 2 litres to 1901 cc to offset the loss in revenue he is experiencing because many cars sold are of the 1.9 diesel version, with lower fuel consumption [so lower emissions]. The fact that the motorist is polluting less and using less imported fuel is irrevelant. They derive big revenue from vat and excise on fuel sold, and if they lose that money, they change the rules and take it off you at point of sale. Essentially, penalise you for driving greener.
So when the Greens go on about emissions and harm to the environment, I shut down all receptors. Motorists are not being rewarded for buying better technology, newer penalties are continually dreamed up. We are cash cows to all governments. Until they start rewarding motorists with lower taxation for driving greener vehicles, my motto is the same as Fire4ce, "Let it burn"
Joe
