last updated 15th June 05
by 4ecotips.com

Higher taxes needed for gas-guzzling vehicles

UK Green Party members of the London Assembly have criticised the proposals for road pricing, put forward by Transport Minister Alistair Darling, as a delaying tactic which does nothing to help stop global warming.

Green Party member of the London Assembly, Jenny Jones, said: “The Minister's proposal might sound green, but it makes no sense to reduce fuel taxes so that gas guzzling 4x4 vehicles can pay almost the same to drive as a mini. We need higher charges for bigger engine vehicles to deter polluting vehicles, and should be planning for
traffic reduction, not a technocratic solution which involves just moving traffic off one road and onto another.

“This whole debate on road pricing gives the pretence of activity, whilst allowing this generation of Ministers to avoid any of the hard choices. Despite the success of congestion charging in London, the Government is suggesting that we wait at least another decade before road pricing becomes a national policy.

“We could have road pricing up and running in London within a few years if we had Government backing, but we would want our own scheme which charged more for gas guzzlers.”