Campaigns
MAG Position - Road Pricing and Tolls
MAG is opposed to the introduction of tolls onto the existing road infrastructure. The view of the National Committee is that they are inefficient and will not assist the congestion encountered in urban areas, and will create "rat runs" through densely populated residential streets, which will require expensive traffic calming measures to slow traffic and reduce accidents. Couriers and road hauliers are particularly concerned about any system of charging for road use.
The definition of a highway is "a route which all persons, rich or poor, can use to pass and repass as often and wherever they wish without let, hindrance or charge" should remain, and that these rights should not be eroded where existing roads are concerned.
Where new roads, tunnels or bridges are built, MAG accepts there may be a reasonable case for a charge for use to be made [i.e. to pay for the construction of the route] on the proviso that there is sufficient public consultation and acceptance. MAG is not prepared to see the existing or alternative routes in the locality of any new toll road being neglected or downgraded to ensure traffic flow along a tolled road.
MAG is aware that less than 25% of revenue raised by the Road Fund Licence is spent on building and maintaining the road infrastructure and that motorcyclists already pay more in taxes than the actual cost of using the roads. MAGs opinion is that more of the current revenue should be spent on an efficient transport network, and is convinced this would overcome many of the existing problems of traffic congestion and pollution problems.
The methods of collecting the tolls is also a concern of MAG. Toll booths, either manned or automated, will slow the traffic and create the congestion that the roads were designed to avoid. Electronic tagging is an option that may be expensive to introduce. Fixed tags will also be a target for theft from motorcycles as there is no enclosure similar to the cars passenger compartment to secure the tag.
The motorcycle is an environmentally friendly form of transport, and MAG feels that it should be recognised as such and subject to toll free travel. The European Parliament proposed that motorcycles should be exempt from all purchase, possession, and use taxes.
MAG will not accept the banning of two-wheeled motor traffic from any road under any circumstances.
MAG UK© October 2001 All rights reserved.
