Madam, – I believe there is a very simple solution to the Department of the Environment’s call for implementation of current laws regarding commercial motor tax – the abolition of motor tax completely. Simply apply the tax at the pumps. It would be the fairest, most equitable, and environmentally friendly way of implementing motor tax. The polluter pays. The less fuel-efficient a vehicle is, the more miles it covers, the more tax one should pay to use it.
This, I believe, would discourage motorists from driving gas-guzzling 4x4s, and further, would reduce administrative costs regarding application and implementation of motor taxation. As increased fuel costs would be a legitimate business tax deduction, this would not increase the tax burden on commercial motorists. A solution perhaps too simple for Green government? – Yours, etc,