Road taxes for electric vehicles 'a move in the wrong direction', says owner

DoI minister says the charge is to ensure a 'fair contribution' from everyone

The infrastructure minister has defended governments decision to increase vehicle taxes. 

Under new plans most vehicle categories will see increases and, for the first time, electric vehicle owners will also be required to contribute.

The department has made a start in 'rebalancing' the way that vehicle duty is raised. 

So says Minister Chris Thomas - who added year on year, the traditional vehicle duty is going down because more and more people are moving over to lower duty vehicle. 

He told Christian Jones, the rise for electric vehicle is not anti-green but to ensure they collect a 'fair contribution' from everybody:

EV owner and Douglas Councillor, Frank Schuengel however described the move by the DoI as 'disappointing' and a 'step in the wrong direction':

Manx Utilities Authority Chief Executive, Phil King revealed to the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee there's an expectation there will be more demand for charging points:

Meanwhile, it's not just the introduction of road tax for electric vehicle owners that has proved controversial - but the ten per cent rise itself.

Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson said: "Once again the Government is making it more expensive to be poorer."

"In the new vehicle duty order, “The six-month payment option is open to all categories and will require motorists to pay generally half the full year’s fee plus £6.”

"With vehicle duty rising by 10%, affordability will be an issue with many vehicle owners. The six month payment option has the potential to be a great help to people’s cash flow and budget during difficult times. 

"But how does the Department justify charging £6 more for the same license when paying by two instalments?

"The DOI seems intent on penalising those who can least afford it."