New car tax changes could have ’detrimental effect’ on tourism and the NHS
The new car tax changes would see many families priced out of a simple “seaside holiday”. Daniel Briggs, managing Director at Motorfinity has warned long journeys will become a “thing of the past” in a major concern for local businesses in tourist hotspots.
He has added that NHS workers could become affected by a pay per mile system with many needing to travel over 400 miles each day.
His comments come after business owner Richard Alvin claimed that the new scheme was likely to charge up to 75p per mile.
He calculated this would cost average families over £530 for a return trip between London and Yorkshire.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Briggs added: “There are a number of implications that could have a detrimental effect across various avenues.
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“Including tourism and employment across critical sectors such as emergency services, health care and the educational sector.
“If the new changes are implemented, even a seaside holiday could be a costly expense with motorists likely to be charged 75p per mile.
“Long car journeys, often chosen because of their cost-effective nature, could be a thing of the past.
“Many of our customers’ jobs rely on access to a car. We work with NHS staff who often have to travel over 400 plus miles a day to deliver life-saving treatment, care home workers looking after vulnerable patients and veterans also helping to save lives.”
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Mr Briggs has urged NHS staff to not be “penalised” with any heavier charges for using their cars to get work.
He has warned that many workers could feel “priced-out” of owning a vehicle with many unable to afford the added costs.
He told Express.co.uk: “It is crucial that these people not be penalised for having to travel longer distances on a day-to-day basis, if it is outlined in their job description as a fundamental requirement.
“If the changes were to come into effect, it might leave critical workers feeling priced-out of owning a car, with the cost of usage just too high a price to pay.”
New car tax changes are being considered by the Chancellor to fill a £40billion budget hole caused by the implementation of electric vehicles.
The Treasury has warned less petrol and diesel cars would lead to a reduction in fuel duty income and vehicle excise road tax.
It is believed the changes will not be introduced any time soon despite the proposals being considered.
The scheme could launch closer to the 2030 petrol and diesel car sales ban when new car buyers will be forced to purchase electric models.
A similar road pricing scheme was proposed by the Labour government in 2007 but plans were cancelled after widespread opposition.
Two million people signed a petition against the introduction of the scheme with any new projects also likely to be attacked by motorists.
Mr Briggs has added that pressing ahead with the updates could lead to a “domino effect” with a “dramatic reduction” in vehicles on the road.
He told Express.co.uk: “With those changes comes a domino effect.
“We’ll likely see a dramatic reduction in the number of cars on the road and a gradual increase of EV (electric vehicles) or HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) as the ‘green’ plan begins to make its mark in the lead up to 2030.”
Published at Thu, 26 Nov 2020 07:33:00 +0000
