U-turn "fuels" call for petrol duty cut

23/07/2008

Older people, who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep a car on the road, are warning the Government that their latest move to delay the 2p rise in fuel duty is not enough to keep their votes in the next general election.

According to new research by Intune Motor Insurance, set up and owned by Help the Aged, the government not only needs to make a firm commitment to scrap a future rise altogether, it needs to go a step further and cut fuel duty.

The government is at risk of losing votes from over half of drivers aged 60+ (55%) if they increase fuel taxes before the next general election.  An overwhelming 85% are calling for the Government to reduce fuel taxes by 12p a litre, which experts believe they could do without reducing their income.  Around 66p on every litre in fuel goes to the Treasury.    

Stuart Castledine, Managing Director of Intune, says: “There are over eight million drivers over the age of 60 in the UK making them a significant group that the government can’t afford to ignore.   According to our own research, two in five are finding it difficult to run their cars due to the current cost of petrol. 

 

"For many their car is their lifeline, but they are now at risk of being isolated as they are considering stopping using their cars altogether due to increasing fuel costs.  It is essential that the Government looks at ways of curbing these costs and considers reducing fuel tax as a matter of urgency.”