Do we pay for the roads?

[earth]

If ever a campaign needed starting it is a campaign to debunk the myth that cyclists do not pay for roads.

But before starting that campaign, better make sure we do.

1. Cyclists cannot ride on motorways. We cycle on A and B roads. I know this is true already.

2. A and B roads that cyclists use are maintained by local councils. True?

3. Cyclists who pay council tax contribute to the maintenance of the roads they use. I pay council tax. At least some councils publish a breakdown of where the money was spent. I have received a breakdown. I know I contributed to highway maintenance of the roads I use. But do local councils receive money for highway maintenance from any other source that council tax?

 

[benb]

I think they get some funding from central government also, which all taxes will contribute too.

 

[bikepete]

Such a campaign exists:

http://ipayroadtax.com/

 

[StuartG]

[QUOTE 2523511, member: 30090"]1. Some cyclists are also prohibited from using certain A roads.
2. Yes, true.
3. No idea, but I should imagine any deficit arising would be met from other ''tax pots''[/quote]
Re 2) I think some A (arterial) roads are maintained by the Department of Transport. Most main roads in London by the Mayor's office and only local roads by the local council. and don't forget things may be different in Wales & Scotland.

Re 3) As it isn't hypotheticated one could argue drinkers probably make a bigger net contribution to roads than motorists.
Maybe we could up revenues by encouraging more double-duty drink-driving

 

[StuartG]

[QUOTE 2523573, member: 30090"]Eh? what a dumb arse thing to say even if you are trying to be funny. STFU[/quote]
Not funny. I regret your over-reactive rudeness may have blinded you to the subtle point being made about non-hypothetication.
I trust you are better behaved on the road.

 

[martint235]

[QUOTE 2523511, member: 30090"]1. Some cyclists are also prohibited from using certain A roads.
.[/quote]
Not very many though. I can only think of a handful (Dartford Crossing, a tiny bit of the A13, Blackwall and Limehouse tunnels, Medway tunnel)

 

[StuartG]

Not very many though. I can only think of a handful (Dartford Crossing, a tiny bit of the A13, Blackwall and Limehouse tunnels, Medway tunnel)

A3 Hindhead, Edinburgh Ring Road ...

 

[earth]

[QUOTE 2523511, member: 30090"]1. Some cyclists are also prohibited from using certain A roads.
2. Yes, true.
3. No idea, but I should imagine any deficit arising would be met from other ''tax pots''

As an aside I really don't care about the whole road tax myth. IMVHO you are looking for a solution to a problem that does not exist.[/quote]


You've never experienced motorists saying you shouldn't be allowed to use the roads because you don't pay for them? I do contribute to them.

 

[StuartG]

Just a hypothesis @StuartG, but I think you might mean 'hypothecated'?

Yep - as you may have realised by now my grasp of English is somewhat vague. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Dan J B]

Do we pay for the roads? In a word yes as I run three cars. I am waiting for some impatient arse in a car to level this one at me!

Dan

 

[green1]

Not very many though. I can only think of a handful (Dartford Crossing, a tiny bit of the A13, Blackwall and Limehouse tunnels, Medway tunnel)

Any special road.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_road

 

[StuartG]

[QUOTE 2523705, member: 30090"]@StuartG: Apologies that was an over reaction.[/quote]
No probs. As you now gather I don't always phrase things the best way ...

 

[MontyVeda]

I'm thinking of countering the 'you don't pay road tax' argument by bursting into hospitals and having a pop at all the non smokers using a service that is paid for by tobacco tax... or, health tax


this smiley ---> is to indicate that i'm not entirely serious

 

[Dan J B]

I'm thinking of countering the 'you don't pay road tax' argument by bursting into hospitals and having a pop at all the non smokers using a service that is paid for by tobacco tax... or, health tax


this smiley ---> is to indicate that i'm not entirely serious

I think all Smokers in the UK deserve a huge slap on their back for their sterling contribution to the wealth of this nation!

Dan

 

[StuartG]

I think all Smokers in the UK deserve a huge slap on their back for their sterling contribution to the wealth of this nation!

And, sadly, by not drawing as much pension as the rest of us.