In message , at
09:15:15 on Tue, 30 Aug 2005, Brimstone
remarked:
I seem to recall mention of a shift in Treasury policy on fuel taxation so
that they get the same amount of cash per mile from the motorist regardless
of fuel used. Diesel using less fuel per mile gets taxed more.

That's an interesting idea, but the price hike would be much more.

"Ultra-low sulphur petrol and diesel are liable for duty of
47.10p per litre, while the rate for non-ULS unleaded petrol is
50.19p and 53.27p for non-ULS diesel [...] Road fuels are also
liable for Value Added Tax at a rate of 17.5 per cent of the
full retail price (including duty)"

http://www.politics.co.uk/issues/road-fuel-duties-$3320486.htm

Also: "In August 2004, the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select
Committee claimed that petrol was 10 per cent cheaper in real
terms than in 2000."

"[Total duties of] £24.4 billion in 2004-2005" (That's about
£1000 per household).
--
Roland Perry