Budget delivers a blow to motorists

The emergency budget delivered some bad news for motorists, receiving mixed responses from various media outlets.

According to Auto Express, it delivered good news for the motor industry as manufacturers in the UK will pay less tax.

However, that is where the good news ended. Other measures look set to drive the cost of driving up soon. With households owning multiple cars, the news could encourage many people to consider selling a car.

The VAT hike is expected to encourage car buyers to make purchases before the rate hits 20% in January. However, The Telegraph reminded people that the VAT rise will increase prices on everything, from fuel to new and used cars or the price of servicing. They called it a "mixed bag for motorists".

According to The News Of The World, motoring groups have called on the government to help struggling drivers.

"Both the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party went into the election with proposals that were intended to help motorists," said RAC spokesman John Franklin.

Referring to pledges by the Tories to consult on a fuel duty stabiliser and pledges by the Liberals to cut fuel duty in rural areas, he said: "neither proposal was mentioned in the coalition manifesto which only suggests that the 'war on motorists' will continue unabated."

George Osborne also announced plans to raise insurance premium tax to 6%, costing the average driver an extra £18 a year.

 

Myla Wilson, Rugby, MERCEDES-BENZ

Michael Nicholson, Altrincham, Citroen Berlingo