Subject:
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Re: Cra pollution[ was: Re: Conversation w/ a LEGO Rep]
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Sat, 28 Aug 1999 23:29:38 GMT
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Viewed:
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1724 times
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Simon Robinson wrote in message
<016301bef0f9$aed3ed80$c029fea9@robinson1tesco.net>...
> 'Despite several searches, I can't find the message this is supposed
> to be in reply to - so I'll just have to start a new thread]
>
> > Environment-friendly as it may seem, insane gasoline taxes to
> > subsidize inefficient public transport do not reduce pollution
> > per se.
>
> True. You really need three things for that. [1] High petrol taxes,
> [2] Decent public transport, and [3] A Government that's prepared
> to risk some unpopularity by telling people bluntly about the problems
> caused by overuse of cars, and taking measures to encourage people
> to use alternative transport and to save energy.
>
> > And despite the increased gas consumption caused by emission-control
> > devices, I'd say gas mileage on cars (I can't speak for SUVs that
> > are trucks by law) here is pretty good, too.
> > What's your average large family saloon (Granada 2.9, maybe?)
> > use?
>
> Most modern cars in the UK are *claimed* by the manufacturers to do
> 40-45 mpg. A few years ago it started being illegal to make a new
> car without fitting a catalytic converter. Every year, all cars over 3 • years
> old
> have to be checked for safety (the 'MOT') - and the checks include quite
> strict
> emissions tests. The Government is also in the process of changing the way
> cars are taxed so that you have to pay less for ones with smaller engines.
> (Frustratingly, my car is 1117cc, which is just 17cc too big to qualify for
> the
> lower tax!)
>
> How does that compare with the USA?
Not like you seem to think. First, catalytic convertors have been
required for over 20 years (is that what you mean by a few?). Second many
states have emissions tests that are quite strict, and have had those for
years. Finally, we have had a luxury tax and a gas guzzler tax that applies
to luxury cars with V8 or bigger cars, or even cars that are unnecessarily
expensive, even if they do OK environmentally. The fact that we aren't
taxed as harshly as you in all walks of life makes it possible for a high
percentage of the people here to afford to drive, even with all these auto
taxes, whereas your people can't afford a vehicle after paying their
numerous (and high) taxes.
There are politicains who are going way too far (in most American's
opinions) regarding raising the cost of driving and owning vehicles. Such
as, if your car doesn't pass the emission test, it becomes state property -
do they do that anywhere else?
--
Have fun!
John
AUCTION Page (More soon!)
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/2-many-toys/
TRADE Page http://www114.pair.com/ig88/lego/index.htm
MOC,CA++++(6035)SW,TR,old(456)+++TO++PI,SP+DU--#+++++
ig88888888@stlnet.com & IG88888888 on AOL
> Simon
> http://www.SimonRobinson.com
>
>
>
>
>
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