Car Owner, You and my cherished Vehicle
In the heart of Raheny, Dublin, Sean Mooney, a local resident, finds himself at the centre of a heated debate. The government's recent proposal to tax vehicles by weight has sparked a wave of discussion, particularly among SUV owners.
Mooney, like many others, has expressed anticipation for continued enjoyable driving in his SUV. He finds the luxurious space, elevated panoramic views, and increased safety of his vehicle fantastic. The advanced driver aids and safety features allow him to muse while on the road, a luxury he cherishes.
However, Mooney's love for his SUV is not shared by everyone. Critics argue that taxing SUVs by weight could disproportionately affect consumers. Heavier vehicles, they claim, require costlier braking components due to increased stopping distance, and these costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer.
Moreover, the wear and tear on key parts such as tires, suspension bushes, brake pads, and discs is accelerated in heavier vehicles. Over equivalent distances and driving styles, a heavier SUV will need these parts replaced sooner, leading to higher maintenance expenses for owners.
These points suggest that the tax could place a greater financial strain on vehicle owners, not just due to the tax itself, but also due to the inherent characteristics of heavier vehicles.
Interestingly, Mooney's daily commute has not always been a pleasant one. He recalls a negative experience involving a faint smell of urine and sweat, a buffoon shouting on the phone, morons watching Instagram reels, vaping, and heat even though it was about 20 degrees. In such moments, the smug self-satisfaction he feels while sitting in his roomy air-conditioned SUV cabin is palpable.
Despite the controversy, it's worth noting that some new SUVs are among the lowest emission vehicles ever manufactured. If everyone moved to bicycles, the tax would likely be applied to them as well. The popularity of SUVs, it seems, is not just about status, but also about the practical benefits they offer.
The debate continues, with arguments ranging from financial burden on consumers to pedestrian safety concerns. As the discussion unfolds, one thing is clear: the future of SUVs in the tax landscape remains uncertain.
[1] Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325319234_Heavy_Vehicle_Taxation_A_Review_of_Arguments_for_and_Against [2] Source: https://www.transportpolicy.org.uk/publications/impacts-of-vehicle-weight-based-charging-on-road-freight-transport [3] Source: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-car-taxes-could-be-based-on-weight-to-cut-emissions-report
- The controversy surrounding the taxation of SUVs by weight extends beyond just industry and automotive concerns, as it could potentially impact the finance sector due to increased maintenance expenses for consumers.
- Critics argue that the proposed tax could disproportionately affect consumers, as heavier vehicles, such as SUVs, require costlier braking components and have higher maintenance expenses, which can increase financial burdens.
- The debate over SUV taxation reflects not only the lifestyle and outdoor-living preferences of many, but also the home-and-garden industry, as the increase in SUV ownership could lead to a rise in demand for larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks, which are common in the home-and-garden sector.
