New vehicles registered by taxation class from January to August, 2008 to 2010 Taxation Class 2008 2009 2010 Private 137,566 49,142 73,689 Goods Vehicles 27,200 7,744 8,462 Tractors 3,579 1,583 1,081 Motor Cycles 2,508 1,553 1,048 Other 2,751 1,058 630 Total 173,604 61,080 84,910 CSO Examine the table above and answer the following questions - Leaving Cert Geography - Question A - 2012

To find the percentage decrease in goods vehicles from 2008 to 2009, we first calculate the difference:

• Total in 2008: 27,200
• Total in 2009: 7,744

The decrease = 27,200 - 7,744 = 19,456.

Now, the percentage decrease is calculated as:

One potential reason for the decrease in goods vehicles registered could be the economic downturn during that period, leading businesses to reduce expenditures, including the acquisition of new vehicles.

1. Increased number of vehicles on the road, leading to overcrowding.
2. Road construction and maintenance activities that limit lanes available for traffic.

Authorities often implement measures such as improving public transport systems to encourage people to use buses and trains instead of private vehicles, thus reducing the number of cars on the road.