Scottish government in talks over tax on cyclists

A road tax on cyclists is being considered by Scottish Government civil servants.

The prospect of cyclists paying a charge, like motorists, to use roads comes in a document outlining the Scottish Government's vision for cycling.

The draft Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS), which has been released for public consultation, aims to ensure that, by 2020, 10 per cent of all journeys in Scotland are by bike.



But it also raises the question of cyclists making a financial contribution to roads maintenance. The document states: "Should all road users pay road tax? If so, how much should it be for cyclists and how could it be enforced?"

If introduced, cyclists might be forced to register cycles with their local authority and pay annual amounts, as motorists do with vehicle excise duty.

The move comes as ministers are under pressure to come up with innovative ways to maintain public spending in the face of deep and sustained cuts due to the increasing national debt.