Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Were speed cameras to check for motor tax evasion it would negate the argument that they are there to save lives on our roads and boost the public perception that they are mobile revenue creating machines. Similarly, the idea of using toll operators to check for motor tax evasion is a bad one. Already many people cannot afford to use the best and most expensive roads in the country, the motorway network. Less well-off people are sidelined from these roads as they cannot afford the tolls. The prospect for families who cannot afford to tax their vehicles, being unable to use the toll roads, is a bridge too far. Under the new regime, these people would not be able to declare that their car was off the road and, therefore, the car would have to be scrapped or taxed for that period and that would be sufficient.

The Bill is a necessary step in shoring up the country's finances but should not be used as a stepping stone to the introduction of any further taxes or charges on motorists who are already facing increased carbon charges and ever increasing fuel costs.

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