LIBDEMS WILL SCRAP TAX FOR GREEN CARS

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 5th Nov 2003

Liberal Democrats would scrap car tax for the greenest vehicles and reduce tax for less-polluting cars and motorcycles. The move would be funded by increasing the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on the most polluting vehicles, following the 'polluter pays' principle.

Promoting cleaner cars is part of the Liberal Democrats' wide-ranging, cross-portfolio approach to improving and protecting the environment, launched today in the policy document, 'A Better Environment, A Better Life'.

Launching the policy document, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said:

"'A Better Environment, A Better Life' is the Lib Dem response to Labour's failure to put the environment at the heart of government policy.

"Liberal Democrats would address the environment in all government departments. Policies include the reopening of British waterways for freight transport, promoting a national programme of Safe Routes for cycling or walking to school, ensuring doorstep recycling collection for every household, and reducing VAT on energy saving appliances.

"The health of our environment is key to the quality of life for our communities and our families.

"By taking a holistic approach to the environment, the Lib Dems are recognising its importance at every level and across all government departments."

Related Link:

A Better Environment, A Better Life Policy Document (Acrobat Format).