Road tax does not exist (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Road tax does not exist
10:10am Thursday 10th May 2012 in Letters
As a local cyclist I would like to respond to Alan Tunningley’s column (Gazette, April 26, ‘Not cycling to longevity’). I enjoy reading Alan’s column and he is entitled to his opinion, which is always an interesting read.
Road tax doesn't exist. It's vehicle tax, a tax on cars and other vehicles, not a tax on roads or a fee to use them.
Motorists do not pay directly for the roads. Roads are paid for via general and local taxation. Vehicle tax is based on the amount of CO2 emitted so, if the tax had to be paid by cyclists, they would pay the same as disabled drivers, police cars, the Royal family, and band A motorists, i.e. £0.
Many cyclists are car-owners so do pay Vehicle Excise Duty, if they are not in the aforementioned categories. By the way, I am also insured when cycling.
The Reverend Tim Harmer
Underbarrow
