The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has called for a review of the current Vehicle Registration Plate System, which has been in place for the over 23 years.
Since its introduction, a lot has changed, including a huge increase in the number of vehicles on the road, an improved road network and big changes in driver and buyer behaviour.
SIMI is now questioning whether the system was still delivering as it might for all of the key stakeholders, Gardaí, Local Authorities, motorists and the Motor Industry as well.
Some 54 per cent of new cars are sold within the first quarter of the year, 70% in the first six months and there is no doubt that the registration system plays a big part in this.
Eddie Murphy said, “The issue of seasonality causes problems for a number of the key stakeholders and particularly for us in the Motor Industry.
This all results in huge cost and staff pressures put on businesses in the first half of the year.”
Murphy acknowledged the positives in the current system and believes that we can hold on to these while seeking to implement some improvements.
“Our current system is easy to understand and is a big driver of sales; however, if there is a bad start to the year, it means that the State’s revenue will have no chance to recover, as sales in the second half are so low. It is a high-risk system.”
This seasonality of new car sales also has a knock-on effect on the NCT system. “The NCT testing system is also based on the date of first registration and suffers huge backlogs in the early part of the year with a very quiet final few months. There isn’t a quick fix solution but we need to open up the debate with all those involved to see if we can find a way to improve the system to benefit all of the key parties” he said.
