Drivers facing ‘sneaky’ tax hike

Motorists who have their cars removed by the authorities will have to pay more to get them back under “backdoor taxation” plans put forward by the Scottish Government.

Ministers have suggested an increase in the standard removal charge from £150 to £190 for vehicles that are shifted by police and councils.

That includes those that have been involved in a collision regardless of fault, are illegally parked or have broken down.

The Scottish Conservatives described it as “yet another sneaky hike” on drivers by the SNP.

Jamie Greene MSP, the Tories’ transport spokesman, said: “It’s already incredibly expensive for drivers to get their car back from police. This inflation-busting increase is further evidence of the SNP Government’s anti-car agenda and more backdoor taxation.”

The suggested charge for vehicles on the road that are significantly damaged or upturned goes from £250 to £315. The daily cost of holding a vehicle would go up from £20 to £25 under the proposals out for consultation until August.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The charges were last subject of a review in 2005 and since this time there have been inflationary and increased costs applied to this type of work.

“We feel it is now time to review the charges to ensure that they are fair both to those carrying out the recoveries and to those whose vehicles are being recovered.”