GRTU disappointed about excessive increase in commercial vehicle license fees

The Malta Chamber for SMEs expressed its disappoint at the “excessive increase” in license fees issued to large commercial vehicles.

In a statement, the GRTU said it was unacceptable that vehicle licenses such as those used in construction, waste-collection and food and beverage distribution increased substantially without any prior notice or consultation.

It said that in some cases, the increase amounted to 300%.

“These excessive increases entail a huge financial burden on the owners of these commercial vehicles. Consequently, it is predictable that the owners will pass on the burden to the consumers through an increase in price, threatening their employment in the process,” the GRTU said.

The GRTU remarked that when it took the case to Transport Malta, the latter underlined that the said increases were mentioned in the 2009 budget. 

The increase in vehicle licenses came into effect on 1^st January 2014.

Describing the increases as ‘discriminatory’ against the self employed, the GRTU appealed to the government to review its decision and find a solution to the burden carried by SMEs.