SIMI demands end to VRT on car safety features

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) today welcomed the recent report on road safety published by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business.

“It is heartening to see such detailed research and examination of the important contributory areas to road safety,” said SIMI chief executive Cyril McHugh.

“The recommendations made in this report must be seriously considered by the Government in order to make a real reduction to the tragic number of deaths occurring on Irish roads."

The report in question commented on Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) stating: “Our system of vehicle registration tax may be unintentionally bringing about the offer of less safety features on cars imported into Ireland.”

Mr McHugh welcomed these observations, saying: “If a motorist purchasing a new car considers adding extra safety features to their vehicle, they must then pay VRT on these extras, adding substantially to the purchase cost.

“VRT has to be paid on all new safety features such as airbags, ABS braking systems etc.

“Irish motorists should be incentivised rather than penalised for selecting safety options.”