PPP calls on government to reverse used tyre ban

As the April 1, deadline for end of the importation of used tyres looms, the PPP, in a press release, has called on the government to reverse its decision and to review the ban on vehicles that are eight years and older.

According to the release, used tyre businesses across the country are closing their operations, thereby putting large numbers of persons out of employment and placing them and their families on the bread line.

The release argued that thousands of owners of vehicles, including taxi and minibus operators, cannot afford to buy new tyres and are forced to resort to the purchase of used tyres to keep their vehicles going. If these drivers are forced to park their vehicles many persons will be without a job and the impact it will have on the cost of public transportation will be massive and will affect thousands of Guyanese, the release said.

Further to an announcement in the 2017 budget, and notice from the Guyana Revenue Authority, from Saturday, used tyres for motor vehicles including motor cars, vans, sports utility vehicles, pick-ups, buses and other similar vehicles will be restricted.