CO2 Emissions have become a major concern, in particular for motorists, with the new VRT (Vehicle registration Tax), based on a car’s carbon emissions. In a bid to address the environmental effects of vehicle’s, all new cars registered from 1 July 2008 will have their motor tax rate based on the CO2 emissions level. A detailed list of vehicle emissions’ ratings is available from vrtireland.com. This will see many people buying cars with a lower emissions rating in order to avoid the higher tax brackets, but are cars with lower emissions any friendlier to the environment.
While lowering the motoring carbon footprint is the responsibility of each individual, does buying a car with low emissions really mean you are easing the burden on the environment… or are we getting an unbalanced perspective with car buyers being made scapegoat. In some instance a vehicle may have low emissions, but a high carbon footprint as a result of production, materials used or just by the car manufacturer’s neglect of its corporate responsibility to the environment. The production of a car alone can offset the benefits of lower fuel consumption and emissions, if manufacturer’s neglect their corporate burden.
The new VRT is a great idea and should in theory reduce the effects motoring has on the planet, but if we want real change, is it not time the Irish government and governments in general place a corporate burden to produce eco-friendly car, firmly on car manufacturers? I believe, that if there was a manufacturer’s tax placed on car makers (based on emissions & overall carbon footprint) and the companies required to foot the bill, we would inevitably see an earnest attempt towards more eco-friendly vehicles.
Do you think that, the Irish government should place a corporate burden on car makers to pay a tax based on CO2 emissions? Who should be held accountable for a car’s effects on the environment? I would appreciate if readers would take a moment to complete the CO2 emissions ‘micro poll’ (Below) and let me know what you think!
Useful related links: CO2.ie Blog / vrtireland.com / Sustainable Energy Ireland
I came across your blog on Technorati. Nice site layout. I will stop by and read more soon.
Mike Harmon
Thank you Mike… You would be very welcome! Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the upcoming posts. Regards.
Do you think that VRT should scrapped and charges should be based on usage/miles travelled?
I think this would be a greener way to do things than a VRT tax?
Let the manufacturers countries control the co2 produced manufacturing the cars. Instead of us pay for other these other countries production of co2, through our new VRT system.
Jeff