HELPDESK: Michael McAleeranswering all your motoring queries
From Richard Hayes: Is there any way to get a printed list of the open market selling prices (OMSP) for vehicles in Ireland that the Revenue officials use to calculate the tax due? I have read somewhere that these prices are revised every January 1st with help from SIMI. It may be long and tedious to read through, but at least it would be information in some physical form.
I'm not too sure if the car sales market has slumped a bit lately with the economic conditions but if the OMSP of vehicles are altered on a yearly basis - with some exceptions for popularity - wouldn't it be fair to say that OMSPs are possibly inaccurate and open to appeal?
As you say, the Revenue figures for OMSP are published on its website (revenue.ie) but, according to the Revenue officials, the figures are "constantly" updated to allow for market changes.
However, as you no doubt suspect, I believe it's nigh on impossible that the Revenue officials behind their desks - astute as they are - can work out a precise market valuation for a 1995 Subaru Justy with 80,000 miles on the clock and three previous owners.
Pricing used cars in dealerships is a black art not a science, and depends largely on the dealer stock and his cashflow situation at the time. They vary wildly and that's why there is no official guide book as there is in Britain. The market here is too small for reliable averages to be given as variations are too wide.
In terms of the OMSP on new cars - upon which VRT is based - these are agreed after negotiations between the car firm importing the new models and Revenue officials.
From E Rafferty, Wexford: Could you explain the benefits of local authorities removing the traditional octagon red "stop" signs or even traffic lights and replacing them with hubcap-sized (one-metre) roundabouts at intersections.
These miniature models seem to pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians alike. Rather than slow and follow the prescribed path, cars tend to drive straight through the intersection, ignoring the central circle, often disregarding the "yield to right" rule. Shouldn't there be a standard which defines the safety limitations of roundabouts?
Or am I naive by ignoring the fact that they are cheap to construct and have virtually no maintenance costs compared to traffic lights?
I'm at a loss to explain or defend these motoring carbuncles. I think you might be close to the truth when you mention maintenance costs. I suspect most motorists remain uncertain about what to do when they come across these mini-obstacles. That's why they don't work; there is enough confusion and uncertainty on our roads without adding more.
From Caoimhin de Bhailis, Cork: I have been thinking of getting a motorbike or scooter. I have a full licence for a car. What are the requirements to get a licence to drive any bike or scooter? Also I have heard that a car licence is all that is required to drive a motor trike. Does this apply to the Gilera Fuoco 500ie featured in last week's supplement?
If you have a full driving licence to drive a car (Category B), granted before October 21st 2006, you are automatically entitled to drive one category of motorcycle (Category M). This category limits you to a bike with an engine size not exceeding 50 cc and/or a speed capability not more than 45 km/h. After that you must apply for a motorcycle licence.
In terms of the motor trike, the law in this area seems to be some way behind the technology on offer. The larger trikes - such as the one used by Billy Connolly on his world tour - can be ridden, or driven, with a regular car licence. As Michael Sheridan of RTÉ tells us, these trikes were orginally adapted from VW Beetles and used by bikers who had lost the use of a limb but wanted to carry on biking. They require a very different style of driving, according to Sheridan.
In terms of the Gilera Fuoco, the small spacing between the front wheels means it is regarded as a single track and, according to a salesman, it requires a bike licence to ride. However, they are bringing out a version in the near future with a wider track that can be driven with a car licence.
It's all very unclear, and basically the legislation would seem to need updating in this area.