CAMPAIGN TO PUT 4 x 4 TAX HIKE IN REVERSE
A major campaign is underway in Lancashire to reverse plans for a huge new tax on all 4 x 4 vehicles because of fears it would damage the economy – and the environment.
Barlow Trailers Ltd is supporting a petition to scrap the shock increase that was due to be introduced next year.
It’s been put off for 12 months by the Chancellor Alistair Darling because of the credit crunch.
But John Barlow director for Barlow trailers, says it would be unfair on farmers and other businesses that need to use 4 x 4s.
Mr Darling’s aim is to reward people who buy “green” cars with low carbon emissions. But as a result there will be a steep rise in road tax will for anyone driving a 4×4 and other vehicles with higher emissions.
The company, distributors for Europe’s biggest trailer maker, Ifor Williams Trailers, believe it would be counter-productive as it would lead to even more vehicles being used.
That’s because farmers, builders and others would be tempted to buy a lorry or a van for work purposes and a car for private and family journeys.
Barlow Trailers are demanding that essential users are exempted from the tax which could see the cost increasing by up to a £950 in the first year for new vehicles.
John Barlow said: “The proposals make no provision for essential users of higher emitting vehicles.
“This includes all 4x4 vehicles capable of towing large trailers which are essential tools for farmers and tens of thousands of business users.
“It is particularly unfair because there is no alternative lower emitting vehicle on the market that is capable of towing the trailers required for work.
“The whole thing is a nonsense because they are actually targeting the people driving around Chelsea and Knightsbridge in their 4 x 4s.
“They have just one or two people travelling in them – there is no need at all especially as they have a choice of three different types of public transport in London.
“For many people running a business, they are essential to tow trailers and fair play to the farmers, many of them are running their 4 x 4s like cars as well for work purposes.
“As a result, the environment is a winner because they are using one vehicle instead of two.
“I think the Government will have to look again because this tax is crazy and we will continue to put pressure on them until they change their minds.
“While this tax would be very onerous to a lot of people in business it is only a drop in the ocean for the owners of the so-called Chelsea tractors.
“It’s certainly not a help for a company like us or for Ifor Williams Trailers.
John Williams, the Managing Director of Ifor Williams Trailers, said many of their customers were equally outraged.
He said: “The extra tax on a 4x4 is likely to be around £950 for the first year on new vehicles.
“In the second year, it would come down to around £450 which is still a big increase for those who have to pay it.
“This tax actually discourages the purchase of new, cleaner 4x4 vehicles and encourages owners to keep their older, higher polluting vehicles for longer.
“This is just crazy in the current economic climate and when the Government is creating incentives for the development and purchase of cleaner vehicles.
“Essential users of 4x4s can’t replace their vehicle for a smaller car with a lower tax because it just isn’t capable of doing the job it’s required to do.
“A 4 x 4 isn’t an optional luxury for a farmer or others in business. It is an essential tool of their trade.
“It penalises anybody that is running a business and needs a 4 x 4 to tow a trailer.
“What’s worse is that it is likely to be counter-productive because people will be tempted to buy lorries even though they don’t really need one – and then buy a car as well.
“That’s certainly not going to help the environment while 4 x 4s are currently being used as cars and workhorses.
“That would lead to an increase in the number of vehicles on the roads countryside – and therefore more carbon emissions.”
People wishing to sign the petition can do so at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Taxing4X4s/
|
