"hugh" wrote in message
> On what basis should we pay more for 4 wheel drive?
>
> Engine size? OK so that applies to several cars - Rolls Royce, Bentley,
> some Mercs, Jags etc etc What about small 4x4s - Suzukis, Series LR.
> Defender diesels are only 2.5 litres compared to some diesel cars.
>
> Footprint - no bigger than many cars.
>
> Emissions - company car tax system is now based on emission so the
> bigger, dirtier the engine the higher the tax
>
> Fuel consumption - the more fuel you use the more fuel tax and vat you
> pay, and that is a very high proportion of the actual fuel charge.
>
> Risk to pedestrians? The biggest danger to them arises from the standard
> bumper height introduced by the motor manufacturers in the 1950s long
> before safety figured in their thinking and unfortunately the height
> they chose is about he worst possible. A 4x4 would naturally have a
> higher bumper height which would be less damaging if not artificially
> lowered to comply with this standard.
>
> Height - as suggested in the Guardian this week? Well, Ken should visit
> the M6 Toll booths and see that a Landrover is classified as a car
> whereas an MPV, being higher is classed as a van.
>
> 4 wheel drive? That is an option on Transit vans ( and others), Renault
> Espace etc, and, oh yes, not forgetting the Lada. And what if you have
> 2/4 wheel drive like a series LR, Jeep Cherokee/Ford Ranger etc? Yes you
> can bring it in to London provided you keep it in 2 wheel drive?
>
> This move is just a distraction to draw attention away from his other
> transport problems - not that it worries me - I wouldn't want to go near
> the dirty stinking place let alone drive in it.
> --
My understanding is that Ken wants 4x4's banned in London and others,
especially some Lib Dems, want a ban on the School Run nationwide. How they
intend to legislate that beggars belief and may well show up their ignorance
of the types of vehicles involved.
i.e. how about an Audi TT Quattro, would that be banned? It's certainly 4x4.
If they do it on size then most MPV's would also be caught, and how about
the rich kid in the Roller or the poor kid in the old Granada smoker.
I reckon it would be almost impossible to legislate for and to police.
The answer is more school buses together with proper car parking at or near
the schools, and education of parents, but that's the positive approach and
politicians aren't ever into that 'cause it costs money instead of bringing
more in.
Interestingly, as an example of how a politician thinks, I believe it's the
French that intend to have a special extra £2,500 Purchase Tax on 4x4's.
My original question was on the effect that sort of thing will have on Land
Rover who make nothing other than 4x4's.
A LR car perhaps.
--
Regards
Bob
1974 LR S111 2.25 petrol "88" H/top
1987 LR 90 2.5 petrol H/top
2004 BMW330i Sport (the wife's)