So, who knew about the new emissions tax? And what’s an emissions tax anyway?
South Africans will be forced to consider the impact of their road travel on the environment. Do you care? It doesn’t matter. From 1 September 2010 a specific tax will be levied on vehicles that emit more than 120 grams of carbon per kilometre of travel (g/km) at R75 per each g/km above 120.
The National Treasury reports that this will boost government coffers around R500million in the 2010/11 fiscal year – question is: will that be paid back into the environment? Or will the government bleed it like they seem prone to doing? Maybe another wife/baby for the president? But hey, let’s give them the benefit of the doubt for now. And then let’s watch carefully.
And what about when all the imported “green-cars” are sold? If I’m on the waiting list will I get a rebate? And what about a ‘green-drive’ conversion to my existing car?
Buy right. That is more powerful than anything right now. It only takes a little learning, and some practice. Why not celebrate World Environment Week this week by looking into a few of your basic consumer habits, and thinking about the small difference we can all make by voting with our wallets!
To read more about this tax check this article out.
