Josh Blog

This is Taxing…

So clearly the “weekly” blog hasnt gone well so far, ive had a few life issues in the last couple of months that needed to be addressed. For that, i apologise, however we have now returned, and what a week to return on!

This week, the government have announced they are suggesting a “Pay-by-mile” road fund license. The way this works is rather than a fixed yearly fee, it would be based on the amount driven by the vehicle, in which would be charged at a very small amount for each mile. This has been suggested before, to much uproar by the british public. And rightly so. Were already paying fuel duty, electric bills (for the batteries we keep trickle charged) and actual road tax for the Sub-40 year old motor vehicles we lovingly keep on the road.

So my thoughts on this?

I’m in 2 camps. For the Rover, 100% Absolutely! Ive done 5000 in the last 3 years, and at £345 per year tax, i feel it would be worth it. Its also a good idea to tax these ultra heavy EV’s (The Tesla’s of the world), given the additional impact on the tarmac.

On the other hand, the Volvo does too many miles, the better halfs BMW economy hatchback at £30 per year is going to become more expensive, and as for the mother’s Diesel Hybrid at the bank breaking amount of £0 per year, any cost would be detrimental! 

Id just suck the cost of the Vitesse up for the next 12 years! Having said this, the new proposal dosen’t exempt classic cars, so as a club, we will all be in the same boat at that point if it goes ahead!

As always, id love to hear your thoughts on this! You can comment below.

On a somewhat brighter note, im writing this on my directors chair at the Warrington Disability Awareness Day. Its the Rover’s first outing since being hit, with the repair being finished on Friday. Had to stop off at the local hand car wash on the way with 20 minutes to spare, getting rid of the last 2 months build up of dust and cobwebs. Weather report is bleak at best, however best waterproofing solution today goes to Mr Robert Chaloner, with his double umbrella tactic (pic below). We also assisted Colin and Margaret with their newly acquired tent, which went up much easier the 2nd time!