Motorcyclists protest proposed vehicle charge in Iceland

Motorcyclists in Iceland are protesting against a proposed vehicle kilometre charge that would require them to pay the same rate as drivers of cars that can weigh up to 17 times more. Under the bill from the Minister of Finance, the charge for passenger cars and SUVs is set at 6.70 ISK per kilometre, while the heaviest vehicles will incur a fee of 43.90 ISK per kilometre.

Motorcyclists are voicing their strong discontent over the classification that places motorcycles in the same category as much heavier vehicles, noting that motorcycles typically weigh between 200 to 300 kilograms and should not cause the same wear and tear on roads as heavier models. Jokka G. Birnudóttir, a board member of a local motorcycle association, expressed that while motorcyclists understand the necessity of a travel charge, it would be more reasonable for motorcycles to pay a lower rate, such as two ISK per kilometre.

The kilometre charge proposal is currently open for public consultation, with the government aiming for it to take effect at the beginning of the new year. This fee is set to replace various taxes on fossil fuels and aims to standardize taxation for different types of vehicles, including electric cars. The public consultation platform has already seen a surge in comments and protests from motorcyclists who are concerned about the implications of this charging structure on their community.