Ok. What makes one a cyclist? You know I've recently pointed out you're one (even though you disagreed). Which taxes do cyclists not pay?
Hint : I'm a cyclist. I pay VED and fuel taxes. Heck, I used to pay the latter even when I didn't own anything with an engine in it. I also pay council tax, income tax, NI, VAT, stamp duty, insurance premium tax, import duties, alcohol duty (though not tobacco duty). Obviously I don't personally pay business rates or corporation tax, but I think that's probably understandable. I think that covers the range of taxes such that I'm justified in saying that even as a cyclist I pay for cycle lanes. (much that I'd rather most of them weren't there).
Interesting point 376Brimstone Rob said: The question is meaningless, or at the very least fundamentally flawed. You may as well ask which taxes do blondes or brunettes not pay. Since there are no taxes...
If the point I'm supposed to be missing is merely 'it's unfair', then fair enough : I don't really give that kind of whining much credence as an argument. By that logic, it's unfair that old cars don't pay VED.
Elsewhere you do have a real point : that car demand is such that taxing it is easy and rewarding. I did also mention that this has had positive effects. I didn't mention that it's also helped insulate this country from the effects of higher oil prices somewhat : see the huge % price rises in the US for example.
And you're deliberately missing my point : that these tax regimes are the preferred tool of government for influencing people's behaviour. And this includes encouraging cycling and discouraging car use.
I'm reasonably sure you don't want them discouraging car use, even though the amounts of money involved are trivially small for you. How badly do you want them to stop encouraging cycling?
clive
