The tax should be on new cars

IN your letters page last week Noel Thompson suggested that Large Imposing Vehicle, Irresponsible Drivers (LIVIDs) should be named and shamed, and he mentions that the Lib Dems are proposing very heavy taxes on these huge gas-guzzlers (not necessarily 4 x 4s). What Chris Huhne MP, the Lib Dem environment spokesperson, is actually asking for, is a very heavy tax on NEW vehicles which are significantly above average in fuel consumption and therefore producing greater pollution and CO2 emissions. The idea is to encourage people to think carefully when replacing or buying a new vehicle. People are not being asked to bear a huge tax on their existing big cars. Incidentally reading in various papers the excuses people offer to defend their LIVIDs one is tempted to suggest another acronym? Everyone Should Care About Planet Earth ? Me Excepted! (ESCAPE-ME) Alison Clish-Green Representing Tavistock South West Ward West Devon Borough Council