New car tax system favours gas-guzzlers

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley’s initiative on car taxes is to be welcomed as an effort to reward the good and punish the wicked. There is, however, a potential injustice involved.

Consider two motorists who own cars at present.

Owner A bought the smallest, most economical car in an effort to keep her carbon footprint down.

Trade-in time comes and because the car now attracts a much higher annual tax than a similar new car, it’s value will be significantly decreased.

Owner A is punished for doing a good deed.

Owner B ignored the environment and he bought a big gas- guzzler. Trade-in time comes and this car is now increased in value because it has a lower tax level than a similar new car.

Owner B is effectively rewarded for not caring.

Please minister, solve that one. It shouldn’t be too difficult.

Patrick Browne

Brugge

51 Ashleigh Park

Blackrock

Cork