Irish car registrations in May were up 4.2% to 15,470 from the same time last year.

According to the latest figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, year to date registrations are up 7.8% to 108,412.

In a call to voters ahead of the European elections, the SIMI said this morning that motorists should make motoring costs and poor road infrastructure election an issue.

"Planners and decision-makers have struck rigidly to a doctrine of forcing motorists off the road and blaming them for congestion when the complete lack of infrastructure is clearly the problem," says CEO, Cyril McHugh.

"Instead local councils and transport planners need to recognise the answer to congestion is ring roads around all major urban areas, good public transport and well located and cheap park and ride facilities," says McHugh.

He added: “Motorists should also demand MEPs make the abolition of Vehicle Registration Tax a priority.”