GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS TWEAKS TO PROPOSED VEHICLE LICENSING INCREASE

Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hon. Gaston Browne says cabinet will discuss possible changes to the proposed increase in vehicle licensing fees.

The disclosure follows strident pushback in sections of the public to Thursday’s announcement of a 40 per cent increase in the fees to fund comprehensive road repairs.

Prime Minister Browne wrote on Facebook Friday afternoon, “I will recommend to the cabinet that we tweak the figures.”

He suggested a reduction in the fee increase for cars, motorcycles and buses, while keeping the higher rate for heavy trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

The head of government said in the post he was listening to the concerns of the public.

The move to increase the fees is aimed at creating a funding mechanism for extensive repairs to roads and drains nationwide, as opposed to the years-long approach of incremental roadworks.