Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing car usage without being anti-driver. These measures include higher parking fees, incentives for car-pooling, and congestion charges, all under the principle of ‘polluter pays’. Proposed strategies also involve taxing cars based on size and environmental impact. The government aims to slash car journeys by 20% by 2030 and will open these proposals for public consultation in April. Additionally, insurance companies may offer lower premiums to drivers who travel less. Local councils will gain authority to implement congestion charges. Minister Ryan emphasizes the importance of making existing cars more environmentally friendly amid escalating climate change concerns. He highlights the significance of electric vehicles (EVs) in curbing fossil fuel consumption, with plans to incentivize their adoption through tax breaks.
