Gateshead Angel wrote:
Nice for those that can afford it.
Has the date for implimentation any relevance.
B. Lucky

Oh yes, that's another Mickism that he was questioned about in another thread, but ignored the points raised then brought them up again here!
So do you think that it's more affordable to:
Pay 15k for a motor and 30k for a plate;
or
Pay 20k for a motor and get a 'free' plate (by free I mean a plate for an adminsitration fee which is nominal in relation to the vehicle and/or plates in restricted areas);
If you think tha the latter is unfair then surely the former is even more so?
On the one hand you think that qualitative controls in unrestricted (or partially restricted) areas are unfair, but then complain about the number of vehicles, and even sougth an age rule in Gateshead, I seem to recall, which also seems to contradict your current stance.
As MR T seems to think, the trade should encourage commitment, but this can be done through tough driver and vehicle standards and thus a level playing field.