Scottish farmers have been “unacceptably heavily penalised” after the Chancellor doubled excise duty on high-polluting vehicles, including most 4×4 vehicles.

The increase in Vehicle Excise Duty on top of a two pence increase in fuel duty was an “unacceptably heavy penalty” for farmers who had “no practical alternatives,” NFU Scotland said.

NFUS also criticised the above-inflation two pence/litre increase in red diesel duty for off-road and agricultural vehicles, which is set to come into force from 1 October.

“Farmers don’t drove 4x4s as a lifestyle choice, they are essential for the job,” NFUS president Jim McLaren said.

“The Chancellor is clearly trying to penalise those driving big cars in city centres, yet by doubling road tax for all those vehicles he is hitting individuals that have no alternatives.

“I’m hugely disappointed that the Chancellor has not sought to exempt essential users.”

Mr McLaren said Mr Brown’s extension of the duty rebate on biofuel until 2010 was a “welcome step” as the UK continued to develop its green fuel industry.

“This is a good move,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for farmers to be a major part of the solution to climate change by growing energy crops and turning waste into green road fuel.”

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