Government need to tackle car bloat
Labour spokesperson on Climate, Senator Rebecca Moynihan, has called on the government to introduce a bloated car restriction on SUVs, following a study that found SUVs emit more damaging gas than older cars do.
Senator Moynihan said:
“The government must take urgent action to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. One way to do this is to introduce a bloated car restriction on SUVs and other energy intensive cars.
“SUVs are becoming increasingly popular in Ireland, but they are also some of the most polluting vehicles on the road. They emit more greenhouse gases and other pollutants than smaller cars, and they are also more likely to be involved in accidents.
“The government has a responsibility to protect the environment and the health of its citizens. By introducing a bloated car restriction on SUVs and other energy intensive cars, the government can help to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and make our roads safer.”
“We know from the Climate Change Advisory Council that ambitions have not been matched by actions. As it stands, we have already reached 50% of our 2030 emissions ceiling.
“In Labour’s Alternative Budget we called for the introduction of an SUV tax like that in France, based on weight and size to tackle the dangerous bloat of cars over the last decade, to be designed and delivered through both the VRT and the annual motor tax system. We’re calling on Government to implement an SUV tax to help tackle car bloat.”