PHILIPSBURG-- Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs says government plans to introduce a vehicle road-tax system based on vehicle weight in 2029.
She said it is not fair for owners of small vehicles to pay the same amount as some much heavier vehicles.
Gumbs made the statement during The Breakfast Lounge with Lady Grace on Friday. She said she had wanted to introduce the change sooner but that legislation takes time to prepare and complete.
Using a Hyundai i10 as an example, Gumbs said the owner of a small vehicle should not pay the same road tax as someone driving a substantially heavier vehicle. “I don’t think you who are driving an i10 for example should pay the same as a vehicle that’s far more heavier.”
Gumbs said the proposed system is therefore being targeted for 2029 because legislative changes are required.
She acknowledged that people sometimes question why government has not implemented certain ideas, but said the issues are being examined and that the challenge is getting the necessary legislation through the process.
Gumbs said the ideas are known to government and that the process involves dealing with the legislative requirements and other red tape.
She said she had discussed the issue with her team and that government intends to move forward with the weight-based system.
