Madam, - I refer to Tim O'Brien's feature in your edition of June 26th on the marked increase in the registration of new vehicles in the State since the beginning of the year.
He also gave figures in relation to the number of second-hand vehicles which have been permanently imported to the State, whose owners have complied with their obligations and requirements under the law.
It is clear to me, however, that the statistics given to O'Brien are incomplete. This country is "awash" with foreign registered vehicles that are in the ownership of citizens of the State and which are crowding our roads in increasing numbers.
The importers of these vehicles have not complied with the requirements regarding permanent importation. The users of such vehicles do not pay road tax due to the fact that the vehicles are not registered in the State. Such vehicles cannot be subjected to the National Test Certificate and the owners can enjoy an exemption from the rest procedure.
Perhaps the greatest concern is that if such an unregistered vehicle was involved in the commission of a serious crime, the vehicle would be untraceable. Surely these factors should be a matter of concern for the Minister for Transport. - Yours, etc.,
DONAL McLOONE,
Glencar Irish,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.