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A FARMING family is hoping the Chancellor will not increase the financial burden on rural 4x4 owners.

The Weatheralds, who live near Redmire, in the Yorkshire Dales, drive about 800 miles a month in their Kia Sorento.

The vehicle has a 2.5-litre diesel engine and the family have seen their fuel bills rise sharply in recent years. The road tax for the Kia is £205 a year.

Sarah Weatherald, 37, said she welcomed talk of a green Budget, but was concerned about a possible 2p on a litre of fuel and an expected overhaul of the car tax system, which could mean higher charges on larger vehicles.

The family-of-four live half-amile along a lane, which is not gritted or cleared of snow during the winter, The 4x4 is also occasionally used to pull a cattle trailer.

Mrs Weatherald said: "I think Chelsea tractors are ridiculous.

Filling up towns and cities with large, dirty gas-guzzlers is not on.

"But when you get out to the countryside, it is a different matter.

It would not be the end of the world if we did not have a 4x4, but you do come to rely on it."

Mrs Weatherald believes there should be concessions for rural 4x4 owners who can prove they need their vehicle.

She said a further increase on fuel would also hit the family's dairy farm.

She and husband Richard have welcomed a rise in the price they receive for their milk.

However, this has been offset by a rise in the price of animal feed, which has been caused, in part, by increasing fuel costs.

10:14am Wednesday 12th March 2008

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