Taxi Driver Online

WHATS YOUR VIEWS ON THIS PRESS RELEASE WHICH I GOT ON FRIDAY LAST WEEK. PLEASE READ THE RELEASE BELOW...


**** EMBARGOED UNTIL 0001 ON THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER ****

Darling introduces Mobility Tax by the back door

In a speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research today, Alistair Darling admitted the Department for Transport is already well-ahead with plans for the introduction of road user charging using private companies.

The seminar hosted by the IPPR was sponsored by Norwich Union, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and T-Systems, an international IT provider and part of Deutsche Telecom.

Plans for satellite road user charging inevitably raise Big Brother concerns, centred as the scheme is around satellite-controlled black boxes fitted to vehicles. These black boxes will know the vehicle's location, how fast it is travelling and on which roads. All this data will be recorded and used by private companies to charge drivers a tax for their mileage, based on where and when they travel, potentially with a commission for the work done.

ABD Spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie commented "It seems that Mr Darling is determined to press ahead with his Big Brother mobility tax no matter what.
He realises what a potential vote-loser this is, and is now using private firms to front, develop and manage the scheme for him."

The ABD's Chairman Brian Gregory comments "This scheme has phenomenal implications for people's civil liberties. Private companies and the government will know exactly where they are every hour of the day and charge them for it. Of course, the in-car black boxes also open the door to instant speeding tickets and penalties for almost any other offence that can be dreamed up."

The ABD believes that the introduction of this mobility tax is mistaken, but not simply because of the implications for civil liberties. Demand for travel is inelastic - people need to travel for work, to commute, to see friends and families. This tax is based on the whole premise that people are able to change their travelling behaviour. Although there is potential for some commuters to switch to cycling and powered two wheelers for some trips, public transport is, in the government's own words unreliable, expensive and does not go where people want. The majority of travellers will simply have no choice but to pay up.

McArthur-Christie concludes "We are extremely concerned about any tax that involves satellite and computer technology spying on citizens. When unelected and unaccountable private companies are involved, our concern grows still further. We urge Mr Darling to reconsider."

Ends

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Press Enquiries: 0870 4442535
ABD general enquiries and membership: 07000-781544
For more information about the ABD visit our Website at http://www.abd.org.uk

The Association of British Drivers is run on a voluntary basis to lobby for the beleaguered British motorist:
"Reclaiming the roads for the people who pay for them"
"Demanding proper roads (and railways) in exchange for paying one seventh of all taxes"
"Debunking the nonsense you hear about the environmental impact of the car"
"Promoting effective road safety instead of the criminalisation of safe driving"

I think this sort of charging will be the norm in years to come.

But I also think that the taxi/PH trade will be exempt.

Wishful thinking maybe, but you live in hope.

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IDFIMH

I understand this was proposed long before the General Election and debated on TDO. I didn't vote labour so those who did get what they voted for. I was against it then and I'm against it now, we shall have to wait and see what transpires when the civil liberty fraternity have finished mauling it.

Regards

JD

Wholly [edited by admin] this is Orwellian; I can’t help looking over my shoulder for the thought Police?

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All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
George Orwell, "Animal Farm"

so thats upmteen tests in your life time and a black box to keep an eye on you.

Are you sure they are eyes?

Ollie

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Happy to be legit.

But the Royal Parks will still be out of bounds to the 'taxee' mob.

Orwell got the date wrong. That's all

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There's no excuse for animal abuse. If you ain't vegan you are an animal abuser.