MOTOR RE-LICENSING FEES

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21374, 19 March 1941, Page 4

MOTOR RE-LICENSING FEES

An insistent request for a reduction of the fee for the re-licensing of motor-cars is being heard throughout the country and a statement of the Government’s policy would be welcomed. The necessity of relieving the taxpayers of any unnecessary burdens cannot be gainsaid. The motorists have a very strong claim for consideration of their request. Petrol rationing has substantially reduced mileage run by motorists, who consequently get much less for their money than before, and should have effected a considerable saving in the cost of maintaining the roads. Even before the institution of rationing the licensing fees for motor vehicles were regarded as too high. If that were so the position is far worse now. Taxation in other directions is so heavy that any relief would be welcomed. It may be said that if taxation of motorists is eased it will be necessary to impose an increase elsewhere because the present total of revenue is required, but that is no reply to the motorists’ claim. In the first place the purposes for which the revenue is used must be considered. Reduced wear and tear must reduce the cost of maintaining the roads. Again, why should the motorist have to pay a “ false ” tax when, if the revenue is required, payment should be spread equitably ? It cannot be denied that the owners of motor vehicles are being called upon to pay a very heavy share of the country’s taxation revenue. If the motorist has been partly deprived of the use of his vehicle an appropriate portion of the burden should be shifted, even if it is not abolished. Also in a few weeks’ time motorists will be asked to purchase thousands of new number-plates when those already borne by their vehicles are in perfectly good condition. Metals are scarce and the total cost is considerable. Why not an economy here ? The annual renewal of plates has always been a cause of annoyance and of unnecessary expense. The old plates would maintain the identity of the vehicle just as efficiently, and proof of re-licensing could be provided much more easily and cheaply. There is always a tendency once a tax is imposed to retain it for all time. There have been dozens of instances of this. But how seldom a tax is removed ! Yet statesmanship demands that means of relieving taxpayers should be sought even more assiduously than means of increasing the burden. Of course this is war-time and heavy taxation is inescapable, but there are other means of raising revenue than allowing an unfair tax to remain in operation.