Budget 2006: Brown turns green? - Reaction: Alliance Against Urban 4x4s

The Alliance Against Urban 4x4s reckons the increased VED will have no impact on motorists choice of vehicle.

Spokesperson Sian Berry said: 'This is a token measure that will make no difference to the growing carbon dioxide emissions of the UK car fleet, and Gordon Brown knows it. This can easily be absorbed by 4x4 drivers – it's barely more than a couple of days' worth of petrol for some of the thirstiest models, such as the Range Rover.'

Berry pointed to the research by MORI for the Department for Transport which suggested a top vehicle excise duty rate of £900 per year – with a difference between bands of at least £150 – was needed for a majority of drivers to think about changing their choice of vehicle.

The Alliance also quotes the Sustainable Development Commission, which has called for differentials of between bands of £300, and a top rate of £1800.

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