Environment chief against car tax

The tax would be paid on a new vehicle's registration

A new Vehicles Emissions Tax should not be introduced in Jersey, according to the Planning and Environment Minister.

The Council of Ministers has included the plans in its 2009 Business Plan.

The one-off levy would tax people who bought so-called gas-guzzling vehicles with high CO2 emissions and be paid on a new vehicle's registration.

Freddie Cohen said he was against the the proposal because it was not the right time so soon after the Goods and Services Tax was introduced.

Taxation 'partnership'

He said: "I do not believe that we need to raise the this tax at this time."

He added that a public consultation in 2007 showed islanders did not want the Vehicles Emissions Duty.

He said: "I believe that successful environmental taxation is about a partnership between government and community.

"The way you deliver successful environmental taxation is by a dialogue through consultation with the community to decide what taxation the community wishes."

The Council of Ministers proposals still need to be formally agreed by States members.

The rate would range from £0 to £1250, depending on the emission rate of the car. A 2lt Ford Galaxy would pay £1,000 on registration, but a 1.8lt Ford Fiesta would pay only £40.

Chief Minister Frank Walker said the new tax would pay for a range of new environmental, recycling and sustainable transport projects.

The 3% Goods and Services Tax was introduced in May because the government will be receiving less tax from the finance industry.

The island is introducing a zero-rate corporation tax which the States claims will keep Jersey competitive.