Tax increases hit motorists today

Motorists are to face increased costs today when motor vehicle licence and related fees go up as part of the Government's J$13.5-billion tax package announced last week.

An increase in the special consumption tax on petrol will take effect on Wednesday.

Together, the measures are expected to yield nearly J$8 billion to help finance the 2017-2018 Budget.

By Thursday morning, motorists who use unleaded gasolene, both 90 and 87 grades, will pay J$5.67 more per litre, while persons purchasing automotive diesel will have to spend an additional J$6.70 per litre.

Motor vehicle and driver's licence-related fees for taxis move from J$7,700 to J$9,240.

Motor cars with a cc rating not exceeding 1199 will also pay $9,240, up from $7,700.

Persons who own motor cars with a cc rating exceeding 1199, but not exceeding 2999cc, will now pay J$12,600 to license their vehicles, up from J$10,500.

And persons seeking to get a general driver's licence will have to pay J$7,200, an increase of J$1,200.