Pay less tax scheme for cars with 'quiet' tyres

Drivers who buy 'quiet' tyres could qualify for big cuts in road tax under controversial new proposals being considered by the Government.

Cars fitted with environmentally friendly tyres which produce less road noise and contribute to lower fuel consumption would qualify for a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty under the new scheme.

But industry leaders said the proposals were impractical and warned that any financial benefits for motorists could be wiped out by manufacturers passing on the extra cost of designing and producing a new range of 'green' tyres.

As well as causing disturbance to people living near major roads and motorways, tyre noise has been found to reduce driver concentration, with consequent effects on road safety.

The proposed new system - involving either a flat-rate reduction in vehicle duty or a one-band drop to a lower duty category for both new and second-hand vehicles - is outlined in a report by the Transport Research Laboratory.

Scientists there say the tax breaks could be introduced relatively easily as part of the MOT test, with garages being required to check on the type of tyre fitted to the vehicle.

Under the TRL proposals, tyres would be stamped with the words 'Low noise' to prove they comply with a 71-decibel threshold which would replace the current 76-decibel limit by 2010.

Tyres would be given an energy rating similar to that which already applies to household electrical goods such as washing machines.

But John Dorken, chief executive of the British Tyre Manufacturers' Association, said the makers would need to recoup the cost of producing 'green' tyres - and motorists would have to foot at least part of the bill until production costs began to fall.