We cannot pay killer levies;truck and cargo drivers in Western region plead

The Tipper Trucks Drivers Union in the Western Region has petitioned the President through the regional minister to exclude their trucks from the payment of the luxury tax recently introduced.

Presenting their petition to the regional minister in Sekondi, the Chairman of the Union Philip Odoom said the inclusion of tipper trucks and Kia Trucks in the luxury tax has come as a surprise to them since their vehicles can not be considered as luxury cars though their engine capacity are similar to that of the V8 and V6.

Mr. Odoom said the astronomical inreament in the road worthy Levy for trucks with white plates from GH¢170 to at least GH¢2170 is unacceptable. He said he cannot imaging how the trucks will be able to pay those levies annually.

In a petition presented to the President through the regional minister after a peaceful demonstration, the union stated that they understand the government policy of imposing high tariffs on luxury cars but the tipper and KIA trucks with white plates who pay the same income tax quarterly as those with yellow plates cannot be placed in the luxury cars group.

"We have learnt with great concerns that cargo and tipper trucks vehicles with white plates have been included to our surprise. We are therefore asking that are our cargo and tipper trucks luxury cars?,if not then please we are pleading with the office of the President to advice and direct the DVLA and other agencies not to include our commercial trucks" they pleaded.