It's not too late
Page 2
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WE ARE DISAPPOINTED that Sir Geoffrey Howe did not adopt our suggestion to abolish vehicle excise duty and collect the revenue instead through increased fuel tax. Our proposal did not even merit a mention from Mr Peter Shore in his Opposition speech.
It has been suggested by operators that there is too much logic in our case for it to be accepted. There may be more than a touch of cynicism in that statement. Sir Geoffrey still has time to change his mind before he introduces his new gvw tax on October 1.
In the meantime, operators must accept the increased costs. But more important, they must pass them on to the customer.
All too often we are told that customers will not accept an increased rate. If that is so then they must be persuaded.
Tobacconists and publicans will find no difficulty in collecting the extra charges. The fuel companies certainly will not deliver fuel unless the extra duty is paid.
Operators must make it plain to their customers that they are both unwilling and unable to absorb the extra costs.
Now is also a good time to warn customers that rates will increase again before the autumn.