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Facebook anger at yellow-plate blitz
22.04.10
A Facebook campaign
against VRT is growing in Inishowen as the Revenue
Commissioners warn it will "vigorously pursue"
drivers failing to pay tax on cars bought in the
North.
More than 1,975 people have already signed up to the
‘Ban VRT Now’ campaign on the social networking site
following a customs blitz last week that saw the
seizure of 69 vehicles and nearly 100 warnings
issued at checkpoints across the county.
But the Revenue yesterday insisted it would not be
deterred in its crackdown on drivers who buy cars at
much-reduced prices in the North but fail to pay the
tax to legally import them into the Republic.
VRT can sometimes double the cost of a car bought in
the North, depending on its age, mileage and
condition. |
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"We maintain a focus on
VRT offences throughout the year but at regular
intervals we undertake 'blitz' style operations,”
said a Revenue spokesperson.
"These operations play a vital role in both the
promotion of tax compliance through public
visibility but also the detection of people who are
not adhering to the law. The rules are very clear
and Revenue will vigorously pursue the non-payment
of tax in this area." Last week's blitz saw 42
vehicles seized and 68 warnings issued at
checkpoints in the Inishowen peninsula along the
border with Derry.
A further 27 vehicles were seized and 28 warnings
issued in the south of Co Donegal.
Sinn Féin councillor Pádraig MacLochlainn said the
numbers signing up to the Facebook campaign on a
daily basis showed the strong opposition in Donegal
to VRT.
“Vehicle Registration Tax is an unfair tax that
punishes ordinary people for seeking to get a good
deal for themselves and their families when
purchasing a car - a must when living and working in
counties with poor public transport like Donegal,"
he said.
"This tax is also blatantly against the principles
of the European Union providing for open trade
between all members states to benefit businesses and
citizens." |
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