Luxury car-owners feel odd-even rule is unfair, seek exemption

Owners of expensive cars are charged higher road tax based on the cost of the car. This is another reason owners of such cars are disgruntled.

Stop odd-even, bring in congestion pricing -- this is what a set of odd-even detractors want from the Delhi government, even as the second phase of the restriction comes into force.

Owners of expensive cars are charged higher road tax based on the cost of the car. This is another reason owners of such cars are disgruntled. (HT file photo)

Wondering what the aim of the policy is, businessman Tapesh Bagati thinks that the government is being unfair.

“If the aim is pollution, why should I be penalized? I own an imported high-end car which is Euro 6 (emission standards) compliant. This is far ahead of Euro 4 followed in India. My car doesn’t pollute as much. Why should I be penalised? If the aim is to curb congestion, then isn’t it better to introduce congestion pricing?” he says.

Owners of expensive cars are charged higher road tax based on the cost of the car. This is another reason owners of such cars are disgruntled.

“If I pay road tax, which is much higher than most other cars, I should have the right to drive the car I paid so much for. If the government can’t ensure clean air and congestion-free roads, it is its failure. Why penalize me for it?” said YK Mamgain, a businessman, who lives in Vasant Vihar.

Environment experts, however, do not agree with their contention. “In India, we still don’t have Euro VI compliant fuel. Even if cars have the technology, there is no clean fuel to support it and that’s why the make of the car doesn’t make a difference. It is only in a handful of cities that you get Euro IV fuel in India, including Delhi, the rest are still at Euro III,” said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director, Centre for Science and Environment.