This Is Guernsey

By Jess Stevenson

TAXI drivers are concerned about proposals for an emissions tax.

Environment’s consultation, which asked islanders what they thought about taxation being used to force people into greener cars and lorries, closed on Sunday.

It put forward five possible policies, which included some form of sliding scale such as a showroom tax ranging from nothing for cars producing less than 120g/km of CO2 to between £500 and £2,000 for those above 180g/km. There was also a suggestion for a 50p per litre green tax on fuel.

Guernsey Taxi Federation president Mike Mauger said the issue had been raised at the association’s AGM.

He said the types of vehicle taxi drivers used, such as six-seaters or saloons, would naturally be above the minimum level for CO2 emissions.

‘We are concerned about the effect that it will have on the taxi trade. Whichever one they choose, it will impact on our costs.’

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.

Article posted on 3rd February, 2010 - 1.00pm