By what I understood from this year's budget, I am to be penalised because:

1. I have a small family car which I use on and off, on average two/three times a month.

2. It is in shipshape condition with a very good motor.

3. I have just spent €1,630.56 (Lm700) to have it re-sprayed, ending up with a car which is nearly new.

4. ...But is in fact some 14 years old!

Now that I am a pensioner trying to make ends meet, am I to be forced to sell my car and saddle myself with the expense and bother of a new car?

The option is I will have to pay extra road fees on my "old" car! Are cars which are over five years old to be considered public enemy No 1?

What is the VRT for? As the test is supposed to identify cars with high CO2 emissions, if my car is within the low bracket, why should I be made to sell it or pay more by way of road tax? There is something wrong here! Could this be a shot in the arm for car dealers?

And what about those youngsters who are still struggling to pay their first "old" car? Are they to be burdened by the purchase of a new car?

I call these "blanket" decisions which do more harm than good.

Decision makers please note: Penalising people for taking good care of their property is no just way to do things.