Reasons for petrol duty hikes sound

The writer of the letter “Petrol duty hikes pour more pain on motorists” (Feb 25) does not seem to comprehend the reasons for the petrol duty increase, namely to curb car usage and carbon emissions.

While measures have been put in place to achieve these aims, high car usage remains a problem, as evidenced by the frequent jams and slow traffic on our roads.

The Carbon Emissions-Based Vehicle Scheme has been criticised for its limited effectiveness, as the residual cost of a car is lowered along with the rebate off the Additional Registration Fee. Car usage and carbon emissions should ideally be reduced further.

Carbon emissions pose a threat to our liveability standards and people’s health in the long term. It would thus be mindless to label betting, alcohol and cigarettes as “worse”, as these issues are all worth looking into.

The writer also wonders why there is no diesel tax hike, yet thinks that higher petrol prices due to higher duties will lead to inflation. However, the absence of a diesel tax hike is what keeps inflation down, since commercial vehicles use diesel.

As he said, it is difficult for people to give up their cars. An array of measures is thus required to ensure that our roads are smooth and air quality is good.

Owning a car is a privilege, not a right. If one wishes for a car, then one must be willing to pay for it.