UK Ferry Tickets

The inevitable tax on travellers has been announced, but will it really help save the planet or deter people from travelling?

Readers of this blog are avid travellers and no doubt aware of Chancellor Gordon Brown’s decision to double air passenger duty (APD) from February 1.

Those on the cheapest short-haul flights will see the tax rise from £5 to £10, while the basic long-haul tax will go up from £20 to £40 and those in the posh seats will pay £80 each.

If we could all see a tangible environmental benefit from the estimated £1 billion a year that this will raise, then I think it would be more acceptable. But does anyone really believe this cash will be spent on green projects?

It will just go straight into the coffers to offset the costs of other disasters, like the Iraq war.

It reminds me of the tsunami aftermath. Many of us (even a cynic like me) were moved by the terrible scenes of suffering and gave some cash to help rebuild villages and communities.

Six months later you discover these people are still living in abject poverty, while others have lined their pockets.

And will this increase in tax stop you from flying? I doubt it. We are an island nation, we love to explore and it is just too late to try to stop people from jetting off abroad.

Airlines and travel companies are now making attempts to offset the impact their holidays are making on the environment. Yes, a lot of it is bandwagon jumping, but at least they are doing something. I believe that is more realistic than trying to reduce air travel.

And what if the government succeeds in cutting back the number of flights taken? Who suffers? Firstly, the poorer members of our society because, let’s face it, an extra £5, £20 or £40 per flight is nothing to those with a high disposable income.

Secondly, third world countries which are dependant on tourism for survival.

Holidaymakers are a soft target and I agree with Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter, who described the increased APD as “the poll tax of the skies.”

I don’t know the answer to saving the planet, but this isn’t it.

Guest Article by Jeremy Skidmore

Sunday, December 31st, 2006