'Green' tax could hit family cars

The move is expected among a raft of bold proposals from a Government-commissioned review of low carbon cars which reports in February.

Recommendations are likely to include higher excise duties and a purchase tax for larger cars, the Times reports.

Grants may be given to drivers who opt for more environmentally-friendly cars.

Motoring organisations have attacked the plans, with the RAC insisting that for big families a larger car is a necessity not a luxury.

Professor Julia King, vice-chancellor of Aston University, who heads the review, believes cars powered by rechargeable electric batteries are the best option.

She conceded that ministers might find it politically difficult to adopt all her proposals, but insisted there must be a mix of penalties and incentives.

Consumer behaviour

"We need both carrots and sticks," she told the paper. "In choosing cars, price is the absolute top of the list. Levels of increases of £1,000 to £1,500 seem to have a big effect on consumer behaviour."

"When you introduce a policy that is punitive rather than incentivising, unfortunately you involve people who have a legitimate right to be driving these vehicles"
AA spokesman

Professor King also wants to focus on influencing the purchase of company cars which account for more than half of new car sales.

The proposals arising from the review aim to cut the carbon dioxide that the average car emits per mile by at least 30% in 10 years.

Manufacturers may also get incentives to speed up the introduction of electric cars or hybrids with a petrol engine and an electric motor.

'Indiscriminate'

Professor King advocates a shift towards cars powered by electric batteries which can be recharged overnight.

She believes biofuels are accelerating deforestation and pushing up food prices, while hydrogen is problematic as a fuel because it is difficult to produce and transport.

A spokesman for the AA said a general policy about larger cars risked being indiscriminate.

"When you introduce a policy that is punitive rather than incentivising, unfortunately you involve people who have a legitimate right to be driving these vehicles," he said.

Those with big cars already paid more in fuel duty and VAT, he added.

A Treasury spokesman said: "Professor King's report is not due until next year. The government will consider her recommendations on potential technological improvements then."

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
RAC
AA
Energy Saving Trust
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites