Ireland’s government apparently is considering increasing the tax levied upon tires, and the association representing the country’s tire industry has slammed it as a measure that would compromise safety and jobs. HGV Ireland reports that in a submission to Environment Minister John Gormley, the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) has stated that any tax increase would lead to hundreds of job losses as motorists would cross the border into Northern Ireland to make their tire purchases.
“At a time when everyone is under greater financial pressure, plans by Minister Gormley to further increase tax on tires will inevitably lead to even higher prices for buyers, and that could lead to delays by drivers in replacing tires that have reached the minimum tread depth for road safety,” commented ITIA president Dave Naughton. “Tire dealers across the country are seeing at first hand how reluctant motorists are to change their tires, and how sensitive a factor is price. In this environment a further tax on tires would be seriously misguided and can be considered as a tax on safety.”
Gormley is said to be considering increasing the tax on tires in order to cover the cost of end of life tire disposal – but the ITIA fears the higher prices that accompany a larger tax will prompt motorists to hang onto the tires they should be disposing of: According to ITIA research, up to 60% of Irish motorists now allow their tires to wear below the legal tread depth limit of 1.6 mm before replacing them. (Tyres & Accessories)
