Increasing tax on low-emission vehicles 'a stab in the back'

The motor industry and environmental groups have criticised proposals to increase motor tax on low-emissions vehicles.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan confirmed last night that motor tax rates would increase in the Budget.

It is also reported that so-called "greener vehicles" will be hit more than those with higher emissions.

Oisin Coughlan from Friends of the Earth said it was not fair to punish those who purchased low emissions cars.

"We've no objection to motor tax in general being increased. The Government needs to raise more taxes - that's clear - but weakening the link between emissions and the motor tax you pay is a betrayal of a new scheme that was introduced only a few years ago to encourage and reward people who chose lower-emissions vehicles," he said.

"It seems a real stab in the back to those people now to change the rules of the game."