That Finance Minister Ardwell Irion urged motorists to comply with their vehicle tax by the usual end of February deadline (see Tuesday paper) is understandable. After all, the national treasury counts on these monies around this time of year and massive delays in receiving such could have a negative effect on government’s already tight cashflow.
It’s legally required too, as correctly pointed out. However, the lack of new licence plates now foreseen to arrive in March makes this very difficult for authorities to control.
And that people will use any excuse to evade payment became clear in 2013 when then-Finance Minister Roland Tuitt decided no plates were needed, as law-abiding citizens would meet their legal obligation regardless. At least 2.1 million Netherlands Antillean guilders in related income was lost.
So, while the current minister warned of cars being confiscated, police won’t be able to do much more than random checks, lacking any indication who might be in violation. The possibility of getting caught until the ordered number plates become available is therefore rather small.
Speaking of which, no real explanation on why the plates are late in the first place was provided, other than “some technicalities” regarding the manufacturer, having an issue with the quality and therefore changing vendors. One would hope this does not translate to added cost.
There are always persons who complain about their vehicle tax not going to fix roads. The proceeds are indeed part of government’s general revenues, but there is a budget for infrastructure works. At this moment potholes are being patched while the bulk of vehicle tax is still due, although frequent rains don’t make this an easy job.
All in all, paying the tax now is not only the right but also the smart thing to do, as the means for this annual expenditure should have been already been reserved. Besides, controls can be expected once the plates come and the chance of getting away with it will reduce dramatically.
