Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright yesterday hit out at amendments to the Road Traffic Act that would increase license fees for certain classes of vehicles.
“The government is taxing Bahamians again,” he said in a statement.
“First they raised BPL bills by 15 percent. Now they’ve increased road traffic fees on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and traffic fines. Let’s be clear: this is a tax. This is not an adjustment — not reform and not modernization. This is a money grab by the government that burdens the Bahamian people unnecessarily and fuels the government excess spending habits. This is a direct hit to every Bahamian who gets up, goes to work, and drives these roads daily.”
The amendments would introduce a penalty in the case of the late renewal of the license and registration of a vehicle, and introduce a certificate of title for every vehicle imported into The Bahamas.
The amendments would reduce the fee to license fully electric vehicles to $125.
Class A vehicles, weighing up to 3,000 pounds, will be subject to a fee of $160. Class B vehicles, weighing between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds, will be subject to a fee of $215, while class C vehicles, weighing between 5,000 and 15,000 pounds, will cost $610 to license.
Class D vehicles, those weighing over 15,000 pounds, attract a license fee $760.
As it stands currently, there are only three vehicle classes.
Class A, those vehicles that weigh up to 5,000 pounds, have a license fee of $160. Class B vehicles, defined as those between 5,000 and 15,000 pounds, attract a $560 fee, and Class C vehicles, defined as vehicles that weigh over 15,000 pounds, cost $710 to license.
The proposed amendment would also require that the inspection fee, which is $35, be paid before each the inspection, regardless of whether the vehicle passes the inspection.
Cartwright said the government promised relief for Bahamians.
“Instead, Bahamians have received higher costs at every turn,” he said.
“Your BPL bill is up. Groceries are up. Insurance is up. Gas is up. Now the cost to legally drive is up too. The government has continued their tax and spend policy and the Bahamian people are suffering because of it.
“After appointing the most costly Cabinet in Bahamian history the government has shown no conscience, no restraint or concern for ordinary Bahamians struggling to make ends meet.”
