Call for free bike tax

The Motorcycle Industry Association is demanding free road tax on small capacity bikes after Gordon Brown’s Budget created a 0-rated tax band for the greenest cars.

March 22nd’s Budget increase in bike road tax (see link right) means, for the first time, that it’s cheaper to tax many cars than it is the majority of bikes.

YOUR NEXT BIKE:

>>Deals here<<

>> Inspiration here<<

Find great kit: 1600 items reviewed here
The MCIA said: “Many small motorcycles have emission outputs which compare favourably with the lowest-polluting cars in band A. This, coupled with the congestion-busting benefits of motorcycle use… means that the rate of VED for motorcycles and scooters lower than 150cc should also have been included in the zero VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) band.

And it claims: “By not including small motorcycles in the zero rate VED band, a clear difference between the Government’s stated intent and how it actually acts has been revealed.

“The Government’s Motorcycling Strategy of 2005 recognises that with regard to the environment; “Motorcycles also compare favourably to other classes of vehicles”.

Spokesman Craig Carey-Clinch said; “By rewarding car driving and penalising environmentally friendly motorcycle use, the Chancellor has in effect revealed a farcical contradiction between the Government’s stated policy towards motorcycling and how it really means to act.

“The proposals merely become a charter for more car use and increased pollution from cars in all the VED bands.

“It is time that the Government took its own motorcycle strategy more seriously and creates a zero rate of VED for bikes lower than 150cc.”