On 2006-08-15 14:50:01 +0100, "Christian McArdle"
said:

By taxing at a rate that is greater than proportionate to use, you are
more likely to affect behaviour.

Except that it doesn't work. People who want to have big, fuel
consuming cars will pay for them.

Of course. To prevent that, you'd have to ban them, which I do not
propose. However, I would like them to pay much more than
proportionally more.

That's why it would be better to put the tax onto fuel in the form of a
higher VAT rate rather than vehicles. Those consuming more fuel and
used more often would attract higher cost.

That money I would like to see invested in CO2 neutral energy technology.

Also, it would deter a good number of people as well. Only the real
petrol heads will continue with a Group G car. Lots of people would be
put off and buy something less damaging.

Not sure about that. Taxation typically does not alter behaviour to
any great extent for any length of time; the exception being the
Lottery, which seems to attract the gullible.