The decision by the Government to allow the importation of used vehicles up to six years old is a bad one.
This issue has been a controversial one ever since foreign used cars were allowed to enter the market in the late 1990s. Since that time, traffic congestion has worsened year after year, negatively impacting on productivity, family life and the environment. The last government felt it necessary to take action to curb the mushrooming of this industry in light of the poor condition of many vehicles, together with the lack of effective warranties, and the questionable circumstances under which many vehicles were imported. It is also a well known fact that the more stable insurance companies keep away from providing coverage for these units, so owners end up insuring the units at the less stable insurers, which creates financial problems for any individual owning one of these unlucky enough to be involved in an accident.
Is it that these issues no longer exist? The foreign used vehicle spokesmen also claimed that the used car industry provides employment for many of the less skilled people in the workforce. While this may be true, it would be critical for the authorities to determine the numbers of people involved and their conditions of employment, and measure that against the many ills that will surely accompany the opening up of the foreign-used market once again. The authorities also need to take stern action against the owners of many of the almost decrepit vehicles still on the road that continue to pollute the environment and pose a threat to the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.
Between 2003 and 2008, almost 20,000 foreign used vehicles were allowed on the roads annually, and if these numbers are repeated over the next few years, then all T&T motorists can look forward to continual gridlock everywhere. Local consumption of gasoline will also increase, leaving less available for export and reduced foreign currency earnings and more environmental pollution. A very bad decision, indeed.
C Rodriguez
Petit Valley