Transform responds to today’s UK Budget.
Transform Scotland spokesperson, Emilia Lauder, responds to the Chancellor’s Budget announcement today.
“The Chancellor’s decision to introduce a mileage based charge for electric vehicles is a baby step towards aligning motoring taxation with the ‘polluter pays’ principle. The changes to fuel duty are also welcome to see after a fifteen year freeze which, accompanied by above-inflation increases in public transport fares, has undermined efforts to get people out of their cars.”
Transform is however disappointed at the lack of motoring tax reform on SUVs. Emilia said:
“The Chancellor has missed an opportunity to introduce tax reform on the UK’s heaviest, most polluting vehicles. SUVs are also eight times more likely to kill a child than a medium-sized car. Earlier this month, we signed a joint letter to the HM Treasury advising urgent tax reform on SUVs. This policy could raise almost £2 billion annually to support public transport, if reinvested in the UK’s transport system and infrastructure. A Large Vehicle Levy should be introduced, holding SUVs responsible for the increased damage large vehicles cause to our roads, public health and environment.”
