Over the years, with technological advancements and improvements, diesel technology for cars has improved and been proven to be more efficient and environmentally friendly.
But the Land Transport Authority (LTA) does not seem to consider these beneficial factors.
Currently, diesel passenger car drivers need to pay up to 50 per cent more road tax as compared with those driving non-diesel cars with the same engine capacity and emission standard.
I do not understand the rationale for this.
Singapore has always commended and rewarded higher productivity, efficient use of resources and environmentally friendly practices. Why is it the reverse for cars?
The fundamentals of road tax calculation should be the same for both petrol and diesel passenger cars.
Although cars with low emissions can get a rebate under the Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme, this applies to all vehicles, not solely to diesel passenger cars.
Perhaps it is time for the LTA to review the road tax structure for diesel passenger cars.
This article was first published on September 21, 2015.
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