MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands' government denies any fuel tax

The Falkland Islands government denied Tuesday any proposals for the introduction of a fuel tax and insisted the “subject has not been, is not currently, nor are there any plans to discuss the subject in the future”.

In an official release signed by Falkland Islands Chief Executive Chris Simpkins said that following a chance remark at a meeting of the Transport Advisory Committee on 13th October, rumours are circulating about the possible introduction of fuel tax in the Falklands.

"I would like to re-assure the public that the recently published Integrated Transport Study contains no proposals for the introduction of fuel tax and the subject has not been, is not currently, the subject of any discussion within FIG. Nor are there any plans to discuss the subject in the future".

Apparently the rumour began as a result of a very brief discussion about the cost of maintaining the road network and the disproportionate amount of wear and tear caused by commercial vehicles.

"The possibility of charging commercial road users was merely raised as a comment and, in that context; the introduction of fuel tax was cited as one method of raising income. However, whilst never is a very long time, I am confident that no-one seriously believes that the introduction of fuel tax is a realistic possibility within the foreseeable future", underlined Mr. Simpkins.

"Despite the rumour it's good to see that the Integrated Transport Study is stimulating so discussion and I hope that the consultation period over the next few months will enable much more debate on the future of transport in the Islands which affects all members of the community", concluded the release.