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Badbury, Swindon-based haulier Forte Transport is seeking legal advice after discovering the Euro-5 truck it bought six months ago is not eligible for an RPC tax discount. Owner driver Mark Forte bought a 57 plated Iveco Stralis from Brand of Beccles and believed the vehicle would meet the government's requirements to receive an RPC and therefore a tax deduction. "When  I bought the Stralis I was told it would qualify for the reduced pollution certificate because of its lower emissions. Brand was unable to give me the RPC at the time, but said it would send it on to me and I would be able to claim back the difference in road tax," Forte says. "However, I have never been sent anything and now my tax is up for renewal and I still don't have the RPC."

When he contacted Brand to complain, Forte was told his case is being investigated. "I am talking to my solicitor to see if I can take my case further." Ray Bayfield, MD of Norfolk Trucks which owns Brand of Beccles, confirms that Forte's truck is not eligible for the RPC because it does not have the right on-board diagnostics. "Mr Forte's truck was received by us in March 2007 and registered in October. The Vehicle is Euro-5 compliant and does have level 1 on-board diagnostics, but this cannot be converted to the required level to receive the  RPC and the reduced taxation rate." Bayfield adds he is now investigating whether the salesman involved had misrepresented the truck at the point of sale.