Green taxes? Do they really think we are that stupid?

Question

They say that cars are going to be charged for using roads to "ease congestion" and "cut emissions".
I already pay road tax and fuel tax to use roads. If we pay congestion charges will these taxes be lower (as is the case in France)? I some how doubt it.
When will this Government realise that we are not idiots and know that these crazy "green" taxes are not designed to save the planet they are purely a way of filling the huge hole in the Government's coffers that Iraq and Afghanistan has left.
Charging someone £1000 to drive a Range Rover is not going to reduce global warming, neither is charging me an extra £20 to drive on the M1. What is needed is a larger strategy that looks for cleaner ways to generate electricity, or investment in a more reliable public transport system so no one has to use a car, or could actually start with making the US, china and India sign the Kyoto Treaty. Without these nations signing, we all might as well drive Range Rovers.

What do you reckon?

Answer 1

i agree to some extent... We do need a wider strategy. What we really need is a total, philosophical re-examing of our relaitonship with the planet... not just a scientific look at ways to get more out of it...
Though it is most probable that these taxes are just a pocket-lining device, if used properly, in combination with good public transport etc, they COULD work to reduce traffic.. and i would rather this, and the government be a littler richer, than for some Chelsea Tractor Mummies to save a few pounds, and my grandkids have no planet left to enjoy.

Answer 2

Green taxes are been introduced mainly to show the world that the UK is doing its bit in the fight against global warming..
Unfortunately absolutely nothing we do in the UK will have any effect on global warming. in fact if we could somehow reduce our co2 emission to zero there would be no effect because the UK share of the total co2 emission is around 2%.. Currently china and India are expanding their outputs of co2 in the region of 6 to 8% each every year with out any control.

Remember the UK is a socially compliant society, and so we don't take to the streets demanding change like the french.

If you want things to change in the UK ull have to use your vote and in the next general election,

Answer 3

We need both. We need to discourage innefficient use of the roads AND find cleaner ways to generate electricity.

People need to pay the real cost to the whole economy of the choices they make: at the moment they don't. I agree that road tax should be reduced or scrapped (because just OWNING a car isn't that envronmentally damaging), but we do need to discourage both driving in general (by fuel taxes) and driving on congested roads (by road pricing).

However, I do fear that the true winners will not be the planet, but the private consultancy firms who will build a massively overpriced system to make these charges, deliver it late, and then it won't work properly!

Answer 4

I think its about time we in the UK said enough is enough,we pay taxes for everything now and the only one who benefit are the rich Fat-cats.
This country is fast becoming a nation of those who do not have and those that do and,its getting stupid.
The trouble with us is we will not go on the streets to protest like we used to so the Government just go ahead with whatever sounds like a good idea,I say we should all stand up and put a stop to all this rubbish before things get worse.

Answer 5

You are absolutly correct "The Government Do Think We Are Stupid" we must be, to have voted B-Liar into power 3 times.
This whole issue of GREEN and reduction of emmissions is a contrick to yet again queeze the taxpayer.
The Iraq war is costing the UK $1 billion per month - WHERE is the money coming from, dont answer! we all know "public taxation"
How dare our politicians talk about the NHS being short of money or one sick person being denied drugs becuse they are expensive - it is disgusting.
No wonder people detest politicians, and a legal system that does not protect the people.
What kind of democracy is this when the people have no voice agianst such abuse of position by politicians.

Answer 6

I think what you say is mainly correct. This socialist government think we are all mugs and will pay up.Why should Brown,Bliar and the rest worry as they swan around in limousines(paid for by us) and use the Queen's Flight like it was a bus service. Over forty years ago it was identified that the policy of Labour Governments is tax and spend and old or new they are the same wasters. As you say this hypocrisy about 'green' taxes is mainly to balance the books on their extravagance.

Answer 7

The governments already have new energy inventions, but it would crash the stock markets, and anyway the big oil mongers will not allow it.
Why do you think a florecent light bulb cost so much? or solar cells, wind generators...oh do not even try going off the grid.....

Answer 8

For some reason i like green apples extra. pink apples have an uneventful flavor and green apples have a different flavor and make you wanting extra. some people dont comprehend the version yet i like the flavor of green apples. xD

Answer 9

I agree 100%

Answer 10

It may be time to throw some tea into the Thames River.