Yachting and Boating World forums: Application is in then...

I did as suggested. Here was my little piece - I know not everyone will agree with the petrol versus diesel argument, but I consider it valid.

Cheers,
Paul

Dear MEP,
I don't know if you are aware, but the future of the derogation of diesel for pleasure boating purposes is currently in question.

This essentially allows pleasure boaters to take advantage of lower tax diesel (often called 'red diesel') for boating purposes. The loss of this derogation is likely to cause significant decline in the local boating industry and will have knock-on effects in terms of jobs losses, all with a final result of reduced money to the government (not vice-versa).

Additionally come into play safety and green issues since the reduced taxation on diesel has led a predominately diesel based motor boating community in the UK. This is a good thing - diesel is very safe for boating use (highly reliable and non explosive, unlike the petrol counterpart). Also the use of diesel engines are better for the environment than petrol equivalents. However, diesel engines cost a lot more to buy than petrol, and the differentiation between the 2 fuels will be lost with the derogation going, and so it's likely that there will be much more petrol powered craft than diesel on the water.

An application has been submitted to Brussels for an extention of the derogation, but it's unlikely to be approved without support of MEPS like yourself. If you would like to see more details and supporting facts and figures, please consult the following http://www.ybw.com/mbm/redalert/blog/20060418093552redalert_blog.html

I hope the boating community can count on your support.

Yours sincerely,

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