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Points system suggested for traffic offences

ROAD Traffic officials are in discussions about the introduction of a points system against traffic violators, according to a Road Traffic Controller Ross Smith.

Road Traffic Dept denies plan to raise vehicle licensing fees

THE Department of Road Traffic dispelled speculation that it is planning to increase vehicle licensing fees as part of its automation project while refuting social media reports of a purported new license plate design.

Taxi driver’s concern over government regulations

A BAHAMIAN taxi driver is upset with the government’s stipulation that taxi drivers must now keep their cars in an “immaculate” condition to pass inspection, without specifying the interpretation of “immaculate”, which could be a tiny scratch.

Rise in vehicle break-ins

POLICE officials have noticed an rise in reports of vehicle break-ins since the new year, Police Superintendent Stephen Dean said yesterday.

Taxi Cab Union staff 'not paid for 16 weeks'

EMPLOYEES of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union claim some of them have not been paid for as many as 16 weeks of work this year.

Faded discs force govt to relicense cars

THE government has been forced to spend thousands from the public purse in relicensing and overtime pay fees to correct several of the discs and decals on its vehicles after outsourcing the work to a local firm, The Tribune understands.

Auto dealers fear 40% sales slump from VAT

Bahamian auto dealers fear Value-Added Tax’s (VAT) implementation will cause the sector to follow its Caribbean counterparts into a 30-40 per cent sales decline, with one arguing that the proposed tax was “not the right fit for our economy”.

Traffic fatalities number 'unacceptable'

THE Government has issued advice to drivers in the wake of the latest traffic fatalities - describing the total of 35 fatalities for the year as “unacceptable”.

Auto dealer concern on exemption 'double dip'

A Ministry of Finance official yesterday confirmed that vehicle owners with comprehensive insurance could still take advantage of the duty exemptions issued over New Providence’s May flooding, while addressing auto dealer concerns over how Customs was applying this.

Auto dealers in 'Triple Whammy'

Bahamian auto dealers yesterday warned they were facing “a Triple Whammy” of Budget tax increases, after they and other businesses were hit with a largely-unexpected ‘Environmental Levy’.

Dealer's expansion put 'on the shelf'

A leading Bahamian auto dealer yesterday disclosed he had placed western New Providence expansion “on the shelf” as a result of the Budget’s tax increases, as some in the industry reported losing up to $800,000-$1 million per year.

Auto industry urges $15k low threshold

The Government was yesterday urged to increase the lowest auto tax bracket threshold from $10,000 to $15,000, on the grounds this would enable Bahamians to better afford more efficient, environmentally friendly new vehicles.

Dealer 'wiped out' by auto duty changes

A former leading used car importer said his business had been “wiped out” by the previous ‘engine size’ duty structure, telling Tribune Business he had shifted focus to his steakhouse restaurant venture.

'Shocking' 26% new auto sales decline

Bahamian auto dealers yesterday described the 26 per cent decline in 2013 first quarter new car sales as “a bit shocking”, with volumes dropping by more than units year-over-year.

Auto dealer worry over 'dramatic price' rises

Bahamian new car dealers yesterday warned that the Government’s latest tax proposals would further drive consumers towards used autos, with the constant reforms creating “turmoil” in the market.

30% auto sales boost if taxes back to 2010

A return to pre-2010 import duty rates would likely boost new car sales by “about 30 per cent”, dealers said yesterday, while calling on the Government to give them up to six months’ warning of planned import tariff changes.

Vehicle title system now 'vital necessity'

A proper title system has become “a vital necessity” in combating exploding levels of auto fraud and theft, a leading auto dealer yesterday telling Tribune Business that talks between government and industry players were “heading in the right direction” to create one.