The Sun: 90% of cars hit by road tax hike

By GRAEME WILSON
Deputy Political Editor

NINE out of ten cars will cost MORE in road tax under Labour’s Budget war on Mondeo Man.

Chancellor Alistair Darling sparked fury by creating 13 different bands of duty from next April.

Critics said the lunacy of Labour’s plans was exposed by road tax on a Nissan Micra rocketing by 24 PER CENT while the bill for a gas-guzzling Hummer will rise 14 per cent.

Changes also see a “first year rate” on new cars from 2010, costing some Mondeos £750.

Last night the Taxpayers’ Alliance revealed 88 per cent of motorists will pay more road tax under the blueprint.
majority.”

The greenest cars will pay no tax, Mr Darling pledged.

But only two, the VW Polo 1.4 BlueMotion and Seat Ibiza 1.4 Ecomotive, will qualify.

The bill for popular family motors, however, will soar.

From 2010, motorists will have to shell out £425 for a new Mondeo 1.8, while a Mondeo 2.5 will cost £750.

Payment is based on carbon dioxide emissions, with the biggest polluters hit by £950.

Experts warned that used car prices could plummet.

There was also anger as it emerged 1.9million people earning just over £6,500 a year will be caught in a “poverty trap”.

The decision to scrap the 10p rate of income tax from April, coupled with changes to tax credits, means they will get only around 30p in every extra £1 they earn over £6,420.

And Mr Darling was rapped for raising the National Insurance ceiling by £100 a week to £770. Those earning £40,000 will pay £520 a year more.

Wrong way to eco

MONDEO Man Steve Webb is outraged by his yearly road tax rising from £170 to £260. Steve, of Bromsgrove, Worcs, said: “I’m gobsmacked. I deliberately choose to run a cheap, economical and hard-wearing car instead of a gas-guzzler.

“I’d prefer the price hikes to be on fuel as then us Mondeo drivers would do well.”

Work is for mugs

MECHANIC Simon Dawes says the Budget will hit his family hard. The Mondeo-driving dad of two, 42, of Bristol, said: “I get taxed for working, taxed for driving home and taxed for going for a pint.

“It’s no surprise people live on benefits, Labour make working a mug’s game. I was loyal to Labour, this makes me think twice.”