Seán Ryan
Question:314 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the rationale for increasing taxation on motorcyclists by an average of 108%. [18823/01]
Written Answers. - Motor Taxation.
On 1 April 2000 motorcycle tax rates in three bands replaced a single rate of £22 per annum. The changes in rates for motorcycles not exceeding 75 cc, new rate of £25, and for motorcycles between 76cc and 200cc, new rate of £35, represent increases of 13.6% and 59.1%, respectively. The increase for the higher band which covers motorcycles of over 200cc – new rate of £45 – is 104.5%.
An important consideration in relation to the reintroduction of a three-band system was the increase in the size of the national motorcycle fleet and an upward movement in the engine capacity of the fleet. In this respect, it is to be noted that, since 1995, there has been an increase of almost 150% in the number of motorcycles over 250cc whereas the growth in motorcycles in the category up to 75cc has been only 33%. The three engine capacity bands now introduced are intended to reflect the greater environmental impact of higher capacity engines.