Greek gov't ends car withdrawal program, chooses environmental charges on vehicles

Greece's newly elected government decided on Monday the immediate abolition of the car withdrawal program that started under the previous administration a few weeks ago, leaning to a different path in the fight of global warming and protection of the environment.

Judging that the measure of withdrawal has huge financial costs compared to benefits to the environment and the national economy, Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou and Environment Minister Tina Birbili announced that the program that would cost 400 million euros annually will end on Monday.

Those who have already withdrawn their old cars will be compensated either with of 1,000 euros in cash or 500 euros and two cards for unlimited travel on public transport.

Instead of the car withdrawal program the socialist new government which promotes "green economy" has decided to alter they early environmental charges on vehicles, which are now defined by the year and the engine size of vehicles.

The new rules are more strict for owners of big cars that are more energy consuming and in favor of owners of smaller new technology cars that do not emit so much harmful gases. The new charges vary from 0 to 880 euros annually.


Source: Xinhua