President of the pre-owned Automobile Dealers’ Association, Inshan Ishmael, says the 50 per cent increase in motor vehicle transfer tax, announced during the 2009/2010 budget, will not affect motorists in any way.

“I don’t see it as either here or there, as a motor vehicle is a very expensive item.” Ishmael commended Government for increasing the penalties for traffic law violations, and noted that for five years he had been calling on Government to implement such measures. “I just hope the measures are actually enforced,” Ishmael said.

Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira, in her budget presentation yesterday, announced that people who used vehicles without park lights, overtook improperly on the left side of the road, overtook traffic at a dangerous place, exceeded the specified speed limit would be made to pay an increased penalty—from $200 to $1,000.

She also said use of the Priority Bus Route by unauthorised vehicles would incur an increased penalty—from $200 to $2,000; while the penalty for illegal tints would be $2,000. Owners of vehicles not outfitted with seatbelts, she said, would face a $2,000 fine. (LS)