The issue of used tyres, cars

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,

The Budget 2016 calls for the banning of used tyres and old cars in Guyana. As a result some sections of the population are outraged. My solution: have importers take out insurance and extended warranties on these products. Moreover, insurance companies should offer insurance products to drivers based on whether they intend to use old tyres on their very old car. Such insurance would heighten premiums in order to protect policy owner against liabilities caused if products are found to be defective.

Another suggestion is a Bureau of Standards certification for a pre-set number of miles.

This information will be tagged onto the tyre’s history i.e. odometer reading at the time of installation and the drop dead date to replace. History will be used by insurance companies and the legal system when the owner/operator of vehicle is sued for causing injuries to person or property.

Taxation and pricing has always been implemented to change behaviour. The same should go for consumer items with less than six months to expiration date. That goes for hair chemicals, recycled building materials, refurbished electronics including smartphones, and extended expiration date on pharmaceutical and medical devices subsequent to analysis of potency.

These insurances and warranties must be fully enforceable in the court of law. So for new or used tyres there is a solution to address demand and supply. I trust the insurance companies are ready to expand their product offerings. If not the government should get into the business as a re-insurer.

Sincerely,

Keith Bernard

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