PETROL TAX

When we turn to the solution of these grievances we enter upon more debatable ground. It is admitted on practically all hands that the existing basis of taxation is unfair. What better one can be framed? Private users of motor-cars or motorcycles are apparently unanimous on this matter. Through their various representative organisations, they have urged that the tax on horse-power should give place to one on petrol. That, it is held, would be more equitable to all motorists, since the owner who uses the roads most and presumably does the greatest injury to them would contribute most to their upkeep. The tax, moreover, would be paid, not in one lump sum, but gradually, and though in some cases the actual taxation in the course of a year might be as large as, or even larger than, at present, it would not be so seriously felt. It is astonishing how heavy a burden can be borne if it be applied gradually. The virtue which is claimed for the proposed petrol tax is that it would produce next year approximately the same sum as at present, and would go on increasing. In the long run, therefore, the road authorities would stand to gain. There are, of course, other considerations which the Committee cannot ignore, including the interests of the great distributing houses, who are making more and more use of motor lorries and vans. We do not suppose that an ideal scheme can be evolved which will satisfy everyone, but the system now in force evidently pleases hardly anyone – certainly not the private motorist or the motorcyclist. It ought not to be impossible to discover some alternative which shall at least meet with a larger measure of approval, and if it also assists the motor manufacturer in his efforts to enter oversea markets – particularly those of the Dominions – where American cars with their generally high-powered engines have things so much their own way, a good turn will have been done to an important British industry.