MICK Gentleman has announced reforms to the duty scheme for light vehicles to help reduce greenhouse house gas emissions.

“The ACT Government is taking steps to reduce the emissions of vehicles by rewarding consumers who purchase low emission vehicles,” Mick said.

“Under the reforms the Green Vehicle Duty Scheme will be replaced by the Vehicle Emissions Reduction Scheme (VERS). The new scheme outlines how the government can support the purchase of new fuel efficient cars, utilities and light commercial vehicles that reduce green house gas emissions, as we transition to a low carbon economy.”

“Choosing the cleanest, greenest car that meets your needs could save you money in motor vehicle duty and in fuel costs, help keep our air cleaner, and reduce carbon emissions. The ACT Government remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to have a differential duty scheme for new light vehicles to provide an incentive for the purchase of low emission vehicles and a disincentive against the purchase of vehicles with poor environmental performance.

“CO2 emission figures will soon be used as the primary ranking of environmental credentials for cars sold in Australia, following the Federal Government’s Green Vehicle Guide being reformed to a single CO2 emission rating, from the star rating scheme.

“Moving to a single CO2 emission per kilometre scheme will provide better equality between vehicles that are powered by different fuels. These changes will support people choosing vehicles with lower operating emissions. The Vehicle Emission Reduction Scheme has been considered in terms of financial impacts, and the scheme will be revenue neutral.

“The ACT Government is committed to working with Canberrans to protect our environment. The new scheme will help people buy greener vehicles and reduce fuel costs.”

For more information about duty for new light vehicles visit the ACT Road Transport Authority website rego.act.gov.au.