MLP Leadership Contest - Joseph Muscat's campaign to reform car tax

Interesting story in today’s Sunday Times about how the new car tax system is going to operate. We all know that the Maltese Government has been breaking EU rules by keeping the exorbitant registration tax and it’s thanks to Joseph Muscat that the current system is finally being reformed.

Of course, those who thought that this would mean cheaper cars are going to be disappointed. The reduction in the upfront cost of cars is going to be offset by a new tax on emissions. Of course, environmental concerns need to be taken into account and the level of traffic congestion needs to be addressed.

If only Tonio Fenech was being honest in his comments about the reasons for the emissions tax. The current pricing structure has not prevented congestion and pollution. The reason for this is clearly the abject failure to invest in public transport.

How much easier it is for the Government to claim its green credentials by taxing us rather than investing in ways to encourage us to use public transport or to car share. It’s just a pathetic excuse and once people realise they are not going to save money on their new car, I’m sure purchase levels will return to pretty much their old levels.

Having made a stand and successfully got the Government to reform taxation on cars, I’m sure Joseph will push on and not only keep the issue in the public eye but also ensure that the dishonest was in which the new tax system is being portrayed is clear to everyone.