engine - 11:14 am on Jun 9, 2011 (gmt 0)

For those of us that live out in the countryside we have to use the car. I've been buying smaller, more fuel efficient cars as a plan to make it cost-effective to continue to travel by car.

Latest car gets around 42mpg (average).

What car will I get next? Would it be a GM car? Right now I have no idea. It'll have to be as fuel effcient as possible. Importantly, too, a newer engine pollutes less, and that's on my list of requirements. UK Road Tax is based upon vehicle polution levels. Gas guzzlers pollute more, so they pay more Road Tax.

Generally, higher fuel taxes hit those that live in the country harder than those in the city. Invariably because the city dwellers don't need to travel far just to get to the local store.

Back in the day before motor transport was commonplace, there were local stores providing for food from local suppliers. Many local stores have closed since the out-of-town superstores took over.

I can see a return to localization as the price of transport rises and people use their cars less.