IT’S ENOUGH TO DRIVE YOU MAD!
As David Cameron’s Conservatives discover ‘tree hugging’ politics, Richard Branson donates zillions of dollars to combat the threat to the planet from global warming, and even California Governor, and former Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger introduces environmentally friendly policies to secure popularity in his state, the powers that be are finding it easier and easier to over tax the motorist by over stating their concerns for all things green.

Nowhere is this better illustrated than in our home city of Liverpool. Not satisfied with imposing the worst chaotic road works witnessed in the city’s history, the ‘Big Dig’ was introduced at the very same time as the most restrictive and expensive car parking measures were put in place. Fantastic way to attract visitors and tourists, let alone make the city business friendly! ‘Short term pain for long term gain’ is not a mantra that provides much consolation to struggling retailers, including those located in fabulous shopping malls such as the new(ish) Met Quarter and Cavern Walks.

Not content with outrageous car parking charges, road tax, fuel tax and an over-abundance of speed cameras to detach the motorist from their hard earned cash, government agencies are busy dreaming up more revenue-raising schemes. Congestion charging anyone? And all in the name of the environment.

I’m sorry, but it won’t wash anymore. Not in a city that, through petty political squabbling and incompetence, lost a multi-million pound tram scheme. And not in a city that at any time, day or night, you witness literally dozens of publicly subsidised, fuel guzzling buses riding round the city with the driver as the only passenger on board!

Still not convinced? Well how about the leaked email from a police superintendent, urging the tunnels police to hand out more £60.00 fines to motorists, after a dramatic drop in those being issued during the last six months?

The cover has been well and truly blown. If you are a motorist, then you are fair game for the tax and spend brigade. Because your money from car parking charges, fuel duties, speed cameras and other incidentals is not being spent on road improvements or infrastructure regeneration that would make your journey anymore pleasurable. It is money that has been absorbed into mainstream budgets.