January 27, 2014

Dear Sir,

I went to have the car licensed, and this year was particularly alarming, because for the first time, we recently purchased a car that was just over 12 years old. So, standard procedure, I go to the Insurance Co., and received a lovely discount for good driving and other benefits; but then I proceed to TCD, where I received the shock of my life! A 12 year old car that happens to be an ‘F’ class had to pay the same $1100 plus licensing fee as when that same car was brand new! Mr. Editor, something is very wrong with that picture! Are they serious?!

Why is it, that TCD charges someone the same fee no matter how old the car is? Is anyone else outraged at this? The Government, before the election preached ‘Change’ ... and that they were for what was ‘best for the people of this country.’ Well, here is one way that they prove to Mr. & Mrs. Public, that they mean that! Cars depreciate, the blue book value in a year, is not the same as if it was brand new — no less in 12 years. So, why would a 12 year old car still have to pay the $1100 plus for the licensing fee, the same that was paid when the car was new. It is for lack of a better phrase,’ taking advantage of the people of this country.’ A simple solution could be, that perhaps for the first 3 — 4 years, cars could pay the standard licensing fee; but from the 5th year, the licensing fee should drop by at the very least $20 — $30 a year.

Why do we have to continue to pay the full fee for a car that has depreciated by several thousands of dollars. The car that I have was apparently worth just over $50K brand new, and now it’s worth less than $9K. You do the depreciating math! And on top of that, it has things that are constantly needing to be fixed; but I still have to pay the full fee. Something has to be done about this. My heart goes out to the seniors. Under the PLP, the license fee for seniors was waived; but under the OBA, they now have to pay for certain classes. So again, on their pension, if they have an ‘F’ class car, they have to pay $1100 plus dollars a year for a car that’s not even brand new! Ridiculous, no matter how you look at it!

Devonshire Speaks