Government in U-turn on commercial vehicle threat

THE Government has gone into reverse gear regarding threats to drivers of commercial vehicles used for school runs and other non-business journeys.

Despite his department issuing fresh instructions to motor tax officers that owners of registered commercial transport must sign a declaration pledging not to use the vehicle for domestic purposes, Environment Minister John Gormley insisted such drivers should not fall foul of the law for activities such as travelling to church, or shopping.

Mr Gormley said the restrictions were aimed at drivers like those of “high-end jeeps” who manipulated their vehicle’s tax status to reduce annual levies from €2,000 down to €286.