The Government has been urged to replace VRT and other motor taxes with a radical new charge which it is claimed would tackle environmental damage and reduce traffic congestion.
The appeal for the introduction of what is termed road-pricing has been made by Ireland's sustainable development council, Comhar.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey is developing a sustainable transport plan and, according to Comhar, road-pricing is the key to solving the twin problems of gridlock and spiralling emissions.
Under this plan, all existing fixed transport charges - like VRT - would be replaced with distance-based fees, which would vary according to vehicle emissions, geographic location and time of travel.
According to Comhar, road-pricing would encourage consumers to purchase more fuel-efficient, clean vehicles and to drive less - which in turn means motorists could move more smoothly, safely and efficiently.
It says the Netherlands has recently approved the phased introduction of road-pricing and Ireland is capable of following suit within five or six years.
