Bike tax reduction welcomed

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Eamonn Townsend

Bike tax reduction welcomed

Post by Eamonn Townsend »

After years of campaigning for proper recognition of the role that powered two wheelers (PTWs) can play in reducing traffic congestion, the news that the Government is launching a consultation process on reducing Vehicle Excise Duty for small PTWs has been welcomed by the British Motorcyclists Federation.

Having helped the Labour party with its 'Bike to Basics' strategy document in the run-up to the 1997 election, Chancellor Gordon Brown's announcement, contained in yesterday's pre-budget speech, was "music to the ears" said BMF Chief Executive Simon Wilkinson.

In the Chancellor's speech, Mr Brown said: "In recognition of the important role that motorcycles play in the vehicle fleet, the Government is launching a consultation on options for modernising motorcycle VED to ensure, in particular, that the VED system reflects the benefits small motorcycles could bring if they substitute for car use."

This fully reflected the Government's 'Bike to Basics' document said the BMF, where it recognized that motorcycles were 'a valuable and integral part of Britain's transport network'.

Commenting Simon Wilkinson said. "This really is good news. We have always maintained that the PTW is part of the solution to traffic congestion and is ideal for personal transport. Our own trials have shown that on the typical urban journey you can save up to 50% on journey times, use far less fuel, cause less pollution and take up only a fifth of the road space of a family car. Not only that, it's easy to park too!"

While recognising that the Chancellor only made specific reference to small motorcycles, the BMF will be making representations on behalf of all motorcycle users pointing out that a moving motorcycle, no matter how big the engine size, is still more efficient than a stationary car.
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