Research by mobility solutions specialist, easytrip, Ireland’s only electronic parking and tolling tag provider, has revealed that one in four drivers are considering the purchase of a new car in 2020. This is up from one in five drivers in 2017.
For those that were contemplating a new vehicle the preferred vehicle engine types in order of preference where highlighted as follows:
- Hybrid – 36%
- Diesel – 34%
- Plug-in electric – 14%
- Petrol – 13%
When asked where the vehicle would be purchased, most respondents to the research (84%) selected a car dealership.
This was followed by a UK import for 11% of respondents while three per cent selected a private sale.
For motorists selling or buying a vehicle during the 201-registration period, easytrip are reminding them to update their easytrip account details or sign up to an easytrip toll tag account to reduce the risk of incurring toll charges and penalty notices from motorway operators. Two potential situations that can lead to drivers paying unnecessary toll bills include:
- Buying a new vehicle: if you’ve bought a new vehicle and transferred your existing tag to it but forgot to update your account details, you’ll risk receiving a toll bill (billed at the higher rate) and penalty charge if you’ve travelled through the M50 toll plaza as your new vehicle registration is not connected to your toll tag account.
- Selling your old vehicle: if you’ve sold your old vehicle and inadvertently left your tag in the vehicle and haven’t updated your toll tag account, the new owner may continue to use your tag at most barrier toll plazas, racking up a bill connected to your account.
Commenting on the research Colin Delaney, CEO of easytrip said: “Our research highlights that those considering a vehicle purchase has increased over the last three years. It also shows a preference in engine types with hybrid coming in ahead of diesel.
“Whether you are buying or selling a vehicle this year we want to remind our customers to update their easytrip account details before handing over the car keys to reduce the possibility of receiving any unexpected toll fines.”
Easytrip customers can update their vehicle details through their online account at www.easytrip.ie or by contacting easytrip directly on 1890 67 67 68.
Signing up to an easytrip tag account is simple, motorists save €1 on M50 toll fees and avoid incurring M50 toll fines for non-payment within the specified period.
Tag holders can also avail of easytrip’s hassle free parking service in over 38 car parks nationwide with the easytrip App or tag as well as other services including breakdown assistance and Puncture Protect.
