Guernsey motor fees changes 'token gesture' say traders

Changes to plans for width and emissions charges for vehicles are a "token gesture" according to the Guernsey Motor Trades Association.

The width duty would apply to fewer vehicles under the Environment Department plans.

In a statement, the association said it was "no more than a token gesture to get something passed, rather than bringing a proper workable strategy".

Environment Minister Yvonne Burford said it was based on public feedback.

The charges, payable when a vehicle is first registered in the island, are part of the transport strategy, approved by the States in May.

The association (GMTA) described the changes as "disjointed", "unworkable" and a move of "desperation".

Deputy Burford said the changes followed feedback from the public and motor traders and denied they had been motivated by desperation.

She said one of the main complaints was the charges applied to seven-seat cars.

Deputy Burford said: "Any awful lot more of the family-sized vehicles now fall into the duty free band.

"Most people who responded to our survey in the transport strategy felt there were too many large cars on the island."

The GMTA is "against any form of width tax" and believes an emission tax should cover all vehicles rather than just those that produce higher levels.

The association said reducing charges for imported used vehicles meant second-hand vehicles may face fewer charges than more modern cars with cleaner engines.

It believes the whole strategy needs to "go back to the drawing board" and it has committed to continue its campaign to have the proposals thrown out including a protest before the January States meeting, when the motor charges are due to be debated.