There has been a 1,000pc increase in SUV sales in Europe since 2001.
The trends are the complete opposite of what climate action desperately needs and experts have warned that the Government must intervene to influence buyer choices.
Small countries like Ireland who currently lead the charge on SUV ownership rates can not only change course but also lead the way. Small countries are often better able to experiment with innovative policies and institutions and some of the results are worthy of emulation.
Professor Hannah Daly, sustainable energy expert from University College Cork, said while new car technologies allowed for greater efficiencies, those gains were wiped out because the vehicles were getting bigger.
SUVs need more power to move not only because of their extra weight, but because their height and bulky shape increase drag while moving.
With over 60% of Ireland’s newly registered vehicles as SUVS in 2023, we need to start taxing the sale of these vehicles to encourage more sustainable buying habits. We also need to look at push-char manufacturers and ensure they are designing buggies that are not just durable but also flexible to fit in a standard hatch-back boot.
The tax was also floated by the government’s tax advisory group in July, and could be based on a French model, which taxes motorists €10 for every 10 kilograms over the threshold of 1,800kg.
A weight-based tax for new cars has also been suggested by the Energy and Vehicle Taxation Tax Strategy Group. The idea is to impose a surcharge based on the car’s weight, adding to the existing emissions-based taxes.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate Action today, James Nix, the Climate Director of Transport and Environment, suggested that the tax be introduced by mid-year 2024.
Asked if the state should consider the tax, Nix said that the introduction would be “desirable” as the “top sellers” have become up to 30 centimetres wider in the last thirty years.
Now that we past the mid-way of 2024 what we do to exert political pressure for this change?
Email the current Minister for Finance outlining your support for a proposed VRT tax based on vehicle weight.
Step 1. Press the ‘Copy to Clipboard’ button to copy our below message to the Minister.
Dear Minister Chambers,
I am writing to express my support for implementation of a new Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) on heavy vehicles, such as SUVs, to address the significant environmental impact they have on our planet.
As you know, SUVs contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. Their larger size and weight result in increased fuel consumption and road wear, further exacerbating these issues.
By imposing a new VRT on heavy vehicles, we can incentivize consumers to choose more environmentally friendly options, such as smaller, more fuel-efficient cars or public transportation. This would help to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality.
A higher VRT on heavy non-commercial vehicles is a necessary and effective measure to protect our environment and promote sustainable transportation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Optional Address/Postcode]
Step 2: Send email to
Email: jack.chambers@oireachtas.ie
Increasing taxes on SUV’s makes sense because drivers of SUV’s exert unfair economic outcomes on others via increased congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gases.
As stated in the RTE brainstorm, motorists are increasingly opting for large electric SUVs. But the environmental impact of these vehicles should not be underestimated. The relentless demand for battery materials and electricity raises the question of whether SUVs can ever be a green option. Of course they can’t.
Further reading: Uncomfortable truths: Tackling Dublin´s SUV epidemic
