Sunrise asking should 4wd's be taxed?

[Landy110]

I've put an email in to the show saying that most 4bees are smaller on the ground than a large car and that people movers etc are just as big but no-one targets them etc etc.
If you want to have your say Yahoo!7 Sunrise - Contact (http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/contact/)
The show will be on in the morning. Wed 12-3-8
Steve.

[CraigE]

I've put an email in to the show saying that most 4bees are smaller on the ground than a large car and that people movers etc are just as big but no-one targets them etc etc.
If you want to have your say Yahoo!7 Sunrise - Contact (http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/sunrise/contact/)
The show will be on in the morning. Wed 12-3-8
Steve.
Done.:twisted::twisted:

[incisor]

mr scrubby...

bless him...

[simonl8353]

Interesting, this discussion on a levy for 4WD's into the CBD (Melbourne in my case).

IMHO I agree with the principle of vehicle levies into CBD's :o

In practice, there should be etag method with fee collection based on the vehicles registered engine size and potential occupant capacity.

eg:
6 cyl people mover (7 seater) say $2.00
V8 Ute (2 occupants) $3.00
V8 Discovery 7 seater $2.50 (my car) :p
V8 Discovery 5 seater $3.00
TD Discovery 7 seater $1.90
TD Discovery 5 seater $2.50
4 cyl Jap Crap thing (The Australin equivalent is a Victa) $1.50

I like my V8 and I really like my planet, so I'm at a bit of a compromise and want both. I pay for it in fuel which is also a Government levy (Tax) and seriously encourage vehicles out of the CBD's. (Which is why I always use public transport to the City centre).

Finished. :D

[BigJon]

Obviously a slow news week...:angel:

[Landy110]

Having seen the story I was surprised atthe common sense approach of the bloke from the pedestrian council.
It wasn't "tax 4wd's" as the show had suggested.
I agree with the principal of reducing our carbon footprint as long as it doesn't mean hitting 4wd's and nothing else.

[dobbo]

When was the last time you saw a road tax sticker on a pushbike? Yet they have the same rights as other folks do in road going vehicles.

[solmanic]

When I encountered our local member at a function a few months back I had a chat to him about his Toyota Prius (Pious) he drives around proudly advertising his green credentials. I was able to tell him that my new Defender had the first 45,000 miles (72,000km) CO2 offset and what may he ask was going to happen to all his batteries in 5 years or if his car would even still be on the road then?

Defender - surely it's the smallest carbon footprint 4WD by far and possibly even one of the smallest carbon footprints of any type of vehicle when vehicle lifespan and disposal is considered.

[solmanic]

When was the last time you saw a road tax sticker on a pushbike? Yet they have the same rights as other folks do in road going vehicles.

No they don't - you can't ride them on freeways.


EDIT: You can't ride them on most freeways. But then I guess you can't drive on most bike paths.

[Bazz67]

Very Interestng topic this 1 and can be talked about in so many different manners. I live in a small country town which is reallly made up of 2 towns. Dampier and Karratha. We have surrounding towns but I dont really travel out that way very often. My point is from 1 end of Dampier to the other side of Karratha is approx 35k's so it really isnt that far. My place of work is not even 15k's so on an average day i would drive or ride my motor bike 30k's and this would account for approx 15 mins of driving. Does this mean we should be taxed more for the 4wd than others living in other ereas. In saying that just because I am lucky in my situation another person could live close to work but be in traffic for 30 mins each way but live the same k's away as I do. I also believe that Big Jon has hit it on the nose. SLOW NEWS WEEK, It gets us every time with every 1's hackles going up and defending our rights to drive what we like. Trouble is if we dont talk about it, thats when the poop hits the fan and things change for the worse, the fourby drivers cop it.
Its actually strange that you dont hear a great deal from the 4X4 makers. It seems to me that is the general 4X4 owners that kick up as well as a few great magazines and their gourno's and editors (4X4 Australia 4X4 Action). The 4X4 makers are seemingly sitting back and waiting or is that they have said to the goverment that you can do what you like but dont hurt our sales and we will still export and import with your country.

This issue is also bought up when the goverment or some "body" wants to pull the wool over our eyes when they dont want the general public to know whats else is going on. Place the attention some where else and hope for the best.

Thanks
Bazz

[dobbo]

When was the last time you saw a road tax sticker on a pushbike? Yet they have the same rights as other folks do in road going vehicles.


No they don't - you can't ride them on freeways.


Why not, whats stopping you? It's not as if they can take your licence of you is it? This is the general attitude and problem.

Licence the pushies, give people who need a 4wd for their land or their work a concession, ban tollroads and I would have no problem paying a premium

[Bazz67]

Why not, whats stopping you? It's not as if they can take your licence of you is it? This is the general attitude and problem.

Licence the pushies, give people who need a 4wd for their land or their work a concession, ban tollroads and I would have no problem paying a premium

Strange and I am not showing my age hear but pushies had to be licenced in them old days when all was black and white. Well they were in the photos my old man and my Mum keep dragging out. "Back in My day"

Thanks
Bazz

[loanrangie]

How about an idiot tax then us landy owners wont have to worry about it ;).

[mcrover]

How about an idiot tax then us landy owners wont have to worry about it ;).

Some would think so :angel:

[BigJon]

Why not, whats stopping you? It's not as if they can take your licence off you is it?

I think you will find that they can.

Our car washing fella got a fine for not wearing a helmet when riding a pushie. Didn't pay the fine and it escalated to the point where his drivers licence was cancelled :eek:. Had to pay the fine and late penalties before he could get his licence reinstated.

Classic example of losing your drivers licence for an offence committed while riding a bicycle.

[mcrover]

Well, as far as the carbon foot print goes, I personally planted 142 tree's on the golf course last year, does that come off my total carbon footprint or just my car when I drive it to work?:p

One of the grounds man planted nearly twice that many and doesnt even own a car so can I buy carbon credits off him for say mars bars (which seems to be his fuel)?:p

In real terms, Hybrids in australia are a waste of time, theres too many hills and you tend to drive at higher speeds most of the time meaning that the engine is running a lot of the time.:twisted:

I read an artical about a couple of uni studies done (and anyone who knows me will know what I think about stats and studies) on the Prius compared to the carolla in cost and fuel consumption and they found that in most cases with the council fleets (which would be pretty much thrashed a lot of the time) the prius were not viably more economical to run due to their high servicing costs as well as repair costs.
:eek:
They did use less fuel but not a huge amount, one of the councils were recording an average of 7.4L/100kms from their prius fleet and 8.2l/100kms from the carolla's where if they were to use say the Diesel focus they would be looking at around 5 to 7 around town.:angel:

I read all this in a news letter/magazine at the Dr's and hopefully someone may be able to find where it came from, (probably something to do with Casey council as thats where we are and was called something like the cost of our enviroment or something like that), otherwise take from it what you want. :)

I think that they should tax anyone who drives into the city everyday regardless of the vehical and put the money into the public transport system but as far as melb goes, they need to fix the pub trans system first as it cant cope with the amount of travelers already.:angel:

This is probably due to the fact that I used to have to drive down the Monash everyday in traffic that was chockers full of Mercs and Beemas with only one person talking on their mobile while changing lanes without indicating trying to get there faster, I think they could afford to be taxed a couple more bucks to drive to work if they needed to and the rest of us wouldnt notice another couple of bucks 2 or 3 times a year on the toll road toll and if you cant afford to pay for it then drive to the outer burbs and take the train, tram or bus the rest of the way, which could then be made cheaper as it could be offset from the people who do want to pay for the right to drive in.:twisted:

It would save on roads infrastructure as well as carbon blah blah and would reduce smog as well.:D

but it wont happen as the people with the money and the say in this sort of thing dont like to be separated from their money or their prestige cars lol :wasntme:

I think we should all start the BAN THE PRIUS movement, that would make much more sense :wasntme:

[mcrover]

I think you will find that they can.

Our car washing fella got a fine for not wearing a helmet when riding a pushie. Didn't pay the fine and it escalated to the point where his drivers licence was cancelled :eek:. Had to pay the fine and late penalties before he could get his licence reinstated.

Classic example of losing your drivers licence for an offence committed while riding a bicycle.

There was a bloke in Mansfield who lost his licence for riding a horse while drunk......lost his licence for 3 months :(

All I can say was he wasnt happy about it.

[Redback]

So what is the boundry, the CBD, what??

Baz.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

If we use the figures by CNW Motoring Research for the Dust to Dust (http://cnwmr.com/nss-folder/automotiveenergy/DUST%20PDF%20VERSION.pdf)energy costs of a range of vehicles the Prius does extremely poorly at $3.24 per lifetime mile while in the same survey the Jeep Wrangler consumed only $0.60 per lifetime mile which was even better than the Toyota Corolla which was calculated at $0.73 per lifetime mile.

According to that study, if we want to be energy efficient and reduce our carbon footprint - we should all be driving Jeep Wranglers.


When was the last time you saw a road tax sticker on a pushbike? Yet they have the same rights as other folks do in road going vehicles.

No they don't - you can't ride them on freeways.

Yes you can, at least in Sydney - what is worse in NSW we have to pay a toll to use many of the motorways and the pushbikes get their own lanes for free!

Diana

[ivery819]

And the same report puts the V8 petrol Range Rover Sport at $2.420
If they were to expand the research beyond the USA and evaluated the Diesel variants and took into account Land Rover's carbon offset programme the 'carbon cost' would be considerably lower.
There is no reason or truth in this debate, which is fuelled by media whose I.Q. is the same as their neck size.
If we really want to reduce our carbon footprint then we must evaluate the 'dust to dust' carbon cost of all the manufactured products we use.
Just analysing 'running' carbon costs is deliberately misleading.
The correct carbon tax should initially be imposed on the manufacturers, not the consumers (although we will cop it eventually ). Perhaps this would make them lift their game to Land Rover's high standard. The 2010 Land Rover LRX will be the first of a new generation of carbon friendly SUV's albeit at a high $ cost.
I wish that "the powers that be" would focus on the REAL climate change issue which is how will we adapt and cope with the inevitable effects of the climate change they predict. Stop stuffing about with issues that will have little if any influence (according to their own data ).

[Scallops]

what is worse in NSW we have to pay a toll to use many of the motorways and the pushbikes get their own lanes for free!

Diana

Shouldn't this statement have the "only joking" smilie after it?

[Lotz-A-Landies]

And the same report puts the V8 petrol Range Rover Sport at $2.420 ...
Couldn't find that data in the report however an interesting part is around the Prius where a lot of hybrids are also located:

Vehicle Mile $ - Estimated life Accord Hybrid $ 3.295 117,000
Prius $ 3.249 - 109,000
Civic Hybrid $ 3.238 - 113,000
LX 470 $ 3.229 - 213,000 (Lexus - Land Cruiser)
Boxster $ 3.224 - 157,000 (Porsche)
Land Cruiser $ 3.184 - 301,000
Suburban $ 3.134 - 272,000 (Huge Chevy station wagon)

Shouldn't this statement have the "only joking" smilie after it?
Nothing funny about driving on a toll road at 100 KPH, possibly more, with a pushbike only inches away protected by an unbroken white line on a road with no breakdown lane. :( :( :( :(

Diana

[solmanic]

Well, as far as the carbon foot print goes, I personally planted 142 tree's on the golf course last year, does that come off my total carbon footprint or just my car when I drive it to work?:p

One of the grounds man planted nearly twice that many and doesnt even own a car so can I buy carbon credits off him for say mars bars (which seems to be his fuel)?:p

Well we have 77 acres of dense bushland just sitting there (and getting driven over occasionally ;)). So who wants to buy my carbon credits?

Incidentally, does anybody know what landholders are charging corporations for carbon credit per acre or hectare? Just a thought - I understand all you have to do is guarantee that you won't pull down trees for 100 years or so. Too bad if there's a bushfire.

[ivery819]

diana

Report page 23
5th item down.

[Greylandy]

what is worse in NSW we have to pay a toll to use many of the motorways and the pushbikes get their own lanes for free!

Diana

If everyone rode pushbikes to work there would be no traffic congestion, zero emissions and far less of an obesity problem. Also, if you want to slap a tax on pushies that includes your kids who just run up to the shops and back. What is it with motorists; the number of cyclists on the road is hardly noticeable!

P.S: The number of cycle ways in Sydney is a joke compared to Melbourne.

[Aaron]

What is it with motorists; the number of cyclists on the road is hardly noticeable!

P.S: The number of cycle ways in Sydney is a joke compared to Melbourne.


In congested traffic they are very noticeable, and take a lot of focus away from other cars around you.

[Greylandy]

When was the last time you saw a road tax sticker on a pushbike? Yet they have the same rights as other folks do in road going vehicles.

Good thinking .. slap a tax on the only "vehicle" with zero emissions and an almost non existent carbon footprint.

[dobbo]

If everyone rode pushbikes to work there would be no traffic congestion, zero emissions and far less of an obesity problem. Also, if you want to slap a tax on pushies that includes your kids who just run up to the shops and back. What is it with motorists; the number of cyclists on the road is hardly noticeable!

P.S: The number of cycle ways in Sydney is a joke compared to Melbourne.

Exactly my point who pays for the bike lanes ATM? If the bikes were licenced and taxed perhaps they would not have such an idiot problem with them as we do now. How many injuries are sustained each year due to bicycles compared to 4wd's? Yet were the ba5tards. How many kids ride without helmets etc....
I am not anti cyclist, I have in the past and do in good weather ride a bike to and from the train station.

If you need cycleways paying road tax would generate an income to build more cycleways.

[Greylandy]

In congested traffic they are very noticeable, and take a lot of focus away from other cars around you.

So we tax the cyclist because he provides a distraction to the motorist? Give me a break ...

[dobbo]

Good thinking .. slap a tax on the only "vehicle" with zero emissions and an almost non existent carbon footprint.

So the ACME bicycle factory produces zero emissions?

Everything produces emissions.

[Aaron]

So we tax the cyclist because he provides a distraction to the motorist? Give me a break ...


No no no. Deff not, just pointing out that they're very noticeable when there is one around. I dont know how people can ride a bike in traffic, you must feel very vulnerable.

[RonMcGr]

I am not anti cyclist,

Oh really, you sure have a funny way of NOT showing it.

[Aaron]

So the ACME bicycle factory produces zero emissions?

Everything produces emissions.

Now THAT is reaching deep :P

They push out a product that allows people to travel in a way that greatly limits emissions. Compared to a car factory that pushes out something the opposite.

Tax for cars... I already pay many fees to use the roads as it is. Im not to fussed however... won't happen.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

So we tax the cyclist because he provides a distraction to the motorist? Give me a break ...
No we tax cyclists so that they cover some of the injury compensation that everyone else also has to pay.

Yes - cyclists do cause crashes, by crossing against the red light, knocking down pedestrians when riding on footpaths etc. but will acknowledge that it is frequently the motorist at fault.

Perhaps some of the tax could be used to build more cycleways - The M7 tollroad only has 4 cycleways/cycle lanes so could do with a couple more.

Diana

[RonMcGr]

Couldn't find that data in the report however an interesting part is around the Prius where a lot of hybrids are also located:

Vehicle Mile $ - Estimated life Accord Hybrid $ 3.295 117,000
Prius $ 3.249 - 109,000
Civic Hybrid $ 3.238 - 113,000
LX 470 $ 3.229 - 213,000 (Lexus - Land Cruiser)
Boxster $ 3.224 - 157,000 (Porsche)
Land Cruiser $ 3.184 - 301,000
Suburban $ 3.134 - 272,000 (Huge Chevy station wagon)



Diana

That explains why Japan have that ruling on cars being registered for a certain time. They obviously build them to last only a few years.

[Greylandy]

Exactly my point who pays for the bike lanes ATM? If the bikes were licenced and taxed perhaps they would not have such an idiot problem with them as we do now. How many injuries are sustained each year due to bicycles compared to 4wd's? Yet were the ba5tards. How many kids ride without helmets etc....
I am not anti cyclist, I have in the past and do in good weather ride a bike to and from the train station.

If you need cycleways paying road tax would generate an income to build more cycleways.

Mate, bike lanes are hardly wide enough to justify any other use apart from being a shoulder on the road. It is not like a six foot lane is being taken away from motorists and given to cyclists. Many cycle ways are simply painted lines to inform the motorist that the area is being used by pushies.

Explain to me what idiot problem we have with cyclists? Last time I looked many accidents happen because motorists do not take note of cyclists. The majority of motorists still believe that pushbikes have no right of way on the road and belong on the kerb!

How many kids ride without helmets? Kids ride without helmets because their parents are ignorant and stupid. You can also be fined by traffic officials if you ride a pushbike without a helmet.

Also, do you really think slapping a tax on pushies will encourage people to ride them to eliminate congestion and carbon emmisions. I would also argue that the cost of administering a license scheme for pushbikes would far outweigh the return. There just aren't that many regular cyclists!

[Greylandy]

So the ACME bicycle factory produces zero emissions?

Everything produces emissions.

Thanks for stating the obvious .. it is clear I was comparing a pushbike to a car.

[Scallops]

Nothing funny about driving on a toll road at 100 KPH, possibly more, with a pushbike only inches away protected by an unbroken white line on a road with no breakdown lane. :( :( :( :(

Diana

It's called traffic. :mad:

[dobbo]

Thanks for stating the obvious .. it is clear I was comparing a pushbike to a car.

I know, whats your solution to this problem considering the average person lives between 25km and 50km's away from there place of work?
Afterall it would be hard picking up toddlers from preschool on a pushbike, how do you do your grocery shopping on a pushbike?

How many people honestly ride pushbikes to work everyday?

How many exectutives turn up to meetings covered in sweat and stinking due to riding their pushbike to the meeting in their tailored suits?

How many other forms of transport do not require registration?

You have to register a horse and cart, it produces very little carbon emissions, why not a bike.

[dobbo]

Oh really, you sure have a funny way of NOT showing it.

Thats just your opinion


That explains why Japan have that ruling on cars being registered for a certain time. They obviously build them to last only a few years.

Thats just good business sense


It's called traffic. :mad:

So's a bus, but how many people can they carry?

[Greylandy]

No we tax cyclists so that they cover some of the injury compensation that everyone else also has to pay.

Yes - cyclists do cause crashes, by crossing against the red light, knocking down pedestrians when riding on footpaths etc. but will acknowledge that it is frequently the motorist at fault.

Perhaps some of the tax could be used to build more cycleways - The M7 tollroad only has 4 cycleways/cycle lanes so could do with a couple more.

Diana

I'm not lobbying for more cycleways. I'm arguing against a tax imposed on a very small minority for using a transport system that is far more economical and eco friendly than anything going around. We should encourage that .. not tax it.

Even a hefty tax on cyclists will not be enough to build a fishpond.

If 200,000 cyclist start using the M7 on a regular basis .. the government will slap a tax on bikes so quickly it will make your front wheel spin! Why kick the cyclist because ignorant beaurocrats are lobbying for a tax on 4WD's?

[Scallops]

So's a bus, but how many people can they carry?

Read my reply in context - it is in regard to complaints about bicycles on roads - so I'm saying, slow down, be aware - cyclists are traffic. Your other "point" has no relation to my post.

[Greylandy]

I know, whats your solution to this problem considering the average person lives between 25km and 50km's away from there place of work?
Afterall it would be hard picking up toddlers from preschool on a pushbike, how do you do your grocery shopping on a pushbike?

How many people honestly ride pushbikes to work everyday?

How many exectutives turn up to meetings covered in sweat and stinking due to riding their pushbike to the meeting in their tailored suits?

How many other forms of transport do not require registration?

You have to register a horse and cart, it produces very little carbon emissions, why not a bike.

Geez mate, I mean this in the nicest way .. can you please read other people's posts before drawing conclusions. In a thread related to a possible tax on 4WD's you suggest a tax on pushbikes. All I am doing is arguing against a tax on pushbikes because of the number of benefits they provide.

I never suggested you should drop your kids in your tailored suit before an important meeting. I'm not a bike hippy, I don't want cars to be replaced by bikes. I enjoy my Defender just as much as you enjoy your landy, but why take a stab at pushies just because 4WD's are under the pump!

[dmdigital]

Here's my 2 cents:

Firstly regarding 4WD's in the city and all the Toorak tractors and soccer mum vehicles. This really annoys me. I need a 4WD because I can't drive out of town without one, I need something that can handle long hot outback trips and go places without roads (or very minor tracks). Everything about 4WD's is geared towards promoting them for city people and city use (e.g. the Ford Territory ad). Even the build of most 4WD's is aimed at the person who really isn't interested in going off-road (but would like to dream about it). So this all leads to a problem where the marketing and design people at the car companies really don't want to know about people in out of the way places who need a proper 4WD and will use it as such.

Until recent years in this country, people movers weren't as available as they are now. If you had 4 kids you were shown a 7 seater 4WD. This has changed over recent years. But as I'm sure anyone with a large family will tell you, that even a nice big 7 seat 4WD with 6 people in it leaves little to no room for luggage etc. But again marketing seems to promote them as being very roomy and just the thing for a large family.

Leased vehicles is another issue. Your company offers an option of a leased vehicle, there's not much difference between a Corolla and a V8 petrol Cruiser so what would you take? Hell you might even use the big 4WD one day. Where's the proof, look at how many low mileage petrol V8 cruisers there are on the market. Now that isn't thinking green at all!

Australian's attitude to 4WD's is almost as bad as the Yank's. If its not a big 4 point something litre motor in a big vehicle we don't want it. How many of you have heard people say that a 2.5L Land Rover just can't be compared to a 4.2L Patrol or Cruiser?

Personally I think they should make 4WD's for those that will use them and not as Toorak tractors. I don't disagree with taxing people for buying 4WD's when they will never use the vehicle as intended. I also think they should enforce more common sense in the advertising of 4WD's. The other thing I should add, I'm convinced that the average city dweller thinks a 4WD is anything from the plethora of soft-roaders up to the supposed genuine 4WD's - and the media plays on this.

Anyway I'll climb down of the :soapbox: and go hide in a corner somewhere :wheelchair:

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Geez mate, I mean this in the nicest way .. can you please read other people's posts before drawing conclusions. In a thread related to a possible tax on 4WD's you suggest a tax on pushbikes. All I am doing is arguing against a tax on pushbikes because of the number of benefits they provide.The really sad thing about this, is that inner Sydney, the Eastern Suburbs and the North Shore/Northern Beaches all have too many hills to make cycle transport a viable mass transport option.

That and the inner city crush means that cycleways are only ever likely to be built in the Western and Outer Western Suburbs.

I guess even one decent cycleway in from the West along the Western Dristributor route and one in from the South Western suburbs shouldn't be impossible.

BUT not on motorways - too dangerous for everyone!

Diana

[dobbo]

Geez mate, I mean this in the nicest way .. can you please read other people's posts before drawing conclusions. In a thread related to a possible tax on 4WD's you suggest a tax on pushbikes. All I am doing is arguing against a tax on pushbikes because of the number of benefits they provide.

I never suggested you should drop your kids in your tailored suit before an important meeting. I'm not a bike hippy, I don't want cars to be replaced by bikes. I enjoy my Defender just as much as you enjoy your landy, but why take a stab at pushies just because 4WD's are under the pump!


OK sorry,

I'm in shock as to think you can imagine me in anything tailored!!!!!!!!

Believe it or not the average CBD worker either lives out in the Western or South west suburbs or up the North coast (where they can afford to live) Cycling from 30km - 50km's even 90km's to work each day and then back is not feasible. My train to and from work each day is jam packed from Gosford to the CBD each day. Try doing that on a pushie. Mt White on the F3 would be interesting. I would love to ride everyday to the station but there is not enough room on trains or at the stations to store the pushbikes, the only option I have is to drive my car to the station each day.

[simonl8353]

So guys, whats the answer to applying a levy/fee to vehicles entering the CBD?

:wasntme:

[CraigE]

Well, lets just tax everyone into oblivion because one section of the community thinks so. I am sure that we can find one area of their lives that should be taxed heavier, watch them come out fighting then. Taxing everything is not the answer.
What about those of use that only get into the city occassionaly and only have a 4x4. As it is I stay out of city centres as with the cost of parking it is a waste of time and public transport does not suit me. The real issue is that more and more people are living further and further away from their place of employment. People used to to be able to live close to where they work. De-centralisation may or may not help.
There are serious issues with public transport costs and safety that put a lot off using this service and has been found in Perth lately with station car parks.
And who came up with the stupid argument that a 7 seater should pay less than a 5 seater. That is absolutely ridiculous unless you are going to fill all seven seats for the entire journey. See if you can convince 2 large adults to sit in your 2 back seats in a Disco for an hour twice a day, 5 times a week.

[Tote]

Vehicles in the CBD:
Firstly, is it desirable to reduce the number of vehicles in the CBD, if so an additional tax on them may be a way to limit the numbers of all vehicles although you then have to consider where those who need to get there would park and how they would complete their journey. This means access to cheap parking outside the CBD and an efficient transport system that people will want to use or they will just pay the tax and nothing will be achieved, except that the government can say they are helping the environment whilst pocketing some extra income.
I work in Canberra and have the opportunity to fly to Sydney when I need to go there but I don't because it is more expensive and takes longer to get to my destination than if I drive.

Taxing Four Wheel Drives:
Last time I looked this was a reasonably free country where you can spend your money as you please. Why do people have this burning desire to tax those who don't meet their criteria of being deserving enough to buy a 4wd?
I own a Land Rover because it suits my lifestyle. Some of the reasons it does are:
It can tow a fully loaded tandem trailer
It has room to carry my family (4 of us ) and a set of Grandparents
I can bolt a bullbar on it and be reasonably confident I can hit roos with minimal damage
Being diesel it is economical to run for a vehicle of it's size
I can go camping and access tracks that I could not with a lesser vehicle.

The bullbar point might not apply if tomorrow I won the lottery and moved to Vaucluse, but the others would and yet I would then be criticised for having a 4wd in the city.
It seems that there is a media campaign on at the moment designed to get the masses enraged, in the last two weeks I have seen articles on fencing driveways, making reversing cameras compulsory, and banning 4wds in the city. There must be something interesting happening that they don't want us to notice.......

[Lotz-A-Landies]

So guys, whats the answer to applying a levy/fee to vehicles entering the CBD?

:wasntme:

As was said before - ETag the CBD, and charge all vehicles for the time they are in the area. Residents are exempt - providing they have off-street parking.
Bona-fide courier and delivery vehicles have the charge waved when they get a validation stamp/signature for the deliveries. This is done with the statement when it is mailed back - the same as the charge-back system currently works. They may be audited.
All parking stations are outside the ETag zone.

There is decent low cost public transport within the CBD - like the Paris Metro or the New York City subway.

It's a user pays scheme.

Diana

[Tote]

As was said before - ETag the CBD, and charge all vehicles for the time they are in the area. Residents are exempt - providing they have off-street parking.
Bona-fide courier and delivery vehicles have the charge waved when they get a validation stamp/signature for the deliveries. This is done with the statement when it is mailed back - the same as the charge-back system currently works. They may be audited.
All parking stations are outside the ETag zone.

There is decent low cost public transport within the CBD - like the Paris Metro or the New York City subway.

It's a user pays scheme.


Diana
But would it make much difference to the traffic? I can imagine that the casual visitor would pay it like they now pay the $25.00 a day parking fee at major hotels and execs that have a car park in the city would just salary package the toll as well. I don't reckon that there are many others who drive in the CBD anyway.
Regards,
Tote

[George130]

I will stick with my argument on the other thread. Fine ban 4wd's from the city but follow through and ban non 4wd's from out of the city. Tax a 4wd because its a 4wd then tax thoes highbrids when they replace the toxic batteries.
Make reversing camera's mandatory for a 4wd then fine make it mandatory for all vehicles with poor rear visability.
Tax all vehicles for using the roads including push bikes.

If I won the lottery I wouldn't go for the valcluse home but a larger property in the country and the ultimate touring rig to travel the world.

[p38arover]

No they don't - you can't ride them on freeways.


EDIT: You can't ride them on most freeways. But then I guess you can't drive on most bike paths.

Funnily enough I was commenting to my wife on Tuesday as we travelled the M7, I've never seen a cyclist on the cycleway beside the motorway. That cycleway must have cost millions, it is bitumen, it illuminated, etc.

But I Have seen plenty of them on the motorway. The motorway is reasonably level, the cycleway goes up and down - it's too much work to ride so they go on the motorway.

[p38arover]

I think you will find that they can.

Our car washing fella got a fine for not wearing a helmet when riding a pushie. Didn't pay the fine and it escalated to the point where his drivers licence was cancelled :eek:. Had to pay the fine and late penalties before he could get his licence reinstated.

Classic example of losing your drivers licence for an offence committed while riding a bicycle.

Same in NSW. Travel on a train without a ticket,. get fined, don't pay - lose your licence, have your rego cancelled.

[p38arover]

Why should I be forced to travel by public transport?

Many passengers smoke and have one last one before boarding - and they stink - I hate travelling anywhere near them. :mad:

That's why I gave up travelling by public transport many years ago. I get free travel on public transport with my job but I still drive into the city whenever I have to go there. I drive to work - even though I work on a railway station.

Get the government to stop smoking on railway stations and I might travel by train once more.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Why should I be forced to travel by public transport?

Wot Public Transport?

I am at work at the moment about to go home and it's 00:30 Hours (half past midnight). I work at the largest hospital campus in Sydney (3 major public & 1 private hospital/s).

There is no public transport anywhere nearby I can catch to get home. The last bus left at 11:45hrs.

Don't fancy riding home on a pushie - although I could do with the exercise! :D:D:D

Diana