SUBSTITUTE FUELS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 41, 18 February 1942, Page 6

SUBSTITUTE FUELS

MILEAGE TAX DUE

PROSECUTIONS FOR BREACH

CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 17,

As the result of inquiries made following the observance of large numbers of private cars at recent race meetings, said the Minister of Transport (Mr. Semple) this morning, motorists had* advised his Department, that they were using the cars by mixing kerosene,; white spirit, and other substitutes with petrol. It should be made known to motorists, Mr. Semple said, that in most cases this has a very detrimental effect on the engine of the car, and can easily result in serious damage. This may be principally the motorist's own business; but where substitutes of this type are used mileage tax is payable, through the Post Office, at the rate of 6s 7d per 100 miles. Failure to declare the use of substitutes or to pay the tax is an offence. The sole exception to this is the use of producer gas or coal gas, which are exempted from the require-" ments by the Substitute Fuels Emergency Regulations, 1940.

Inquiries from the Transport Department indicate that as a warning has been issued by the Minister it is intended that prosecutions will in future be taken when substitute fuels are used in motor vehicles without the necessary tax being paid.