OFF WITH THEIR HEADLIGHTS!

France to Impose Green Tax on Big Cars

A new green road tax unveiled by the French
environment ministry would provide rebates for
those who buy small, fuel-efficient cars by
taxing buyers of large, gas-guzzling cars and
trucks. The scheme would divide vehicles into
five categories based on how much they pollute.
The middle category -- largely mid-size family
sedans -- would be subject to neither tax nor
rebate, but purchasers of vehicles in the upper
two categories would pay taxes (up to $4,000 or
more), while those buying in the lower two would
receive rebates. The move comes on the heels of
Paris' attempt to ban large 4x4s from its
streets. City council member Denis Baupin said,
"They're polluters, they're space-occupiers,
they're dangerous for pedestrians and other road
users. They're a caricature of a car." (You can
imagine a U.S. politician saying that, right?)
According to Franceís Environmental Health and
Safety Agency, some 7 percent of premature deaths
from respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses in
the country, or 30,000 a year, are due to
exhaust-related pollution. "[T]he government can
no longer remain indifferent," said Prime
Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

straight to the source: The Guardian, Jon Henley, 23 Jun 2004