Why bikes are best under government's new road plans

Breaking Press Release provided by MotorCycle Direct - specialists in bike insurance.

Written by Mike Thames, 12/04/2012

Recently, the government has unveiled plans to hand over the responsibility for running motorways and main roads to private companies. This could leave motorists with a dilemma. Either they put up with major roads that are often congested and poorly maintained, or experience a new scenario where private companies could decide to charge drivers in order to help pay for any improvements they make.

Right now, thousands of cars are gridlocked on the country's most congested routes, with drivers' blood pressure rising as they sit, frustrated, in traffic queues. But many drivers and motoring organisations, including the AA, fear that any improvements made by private companies are likely to be part funded by road tolling, leading to sharp rises in motoring costs.

The benefits of riding a motorcycle now

Bikers find it easier to move through traffic and therefore make faster progress when roads are congested. In fact, in some areas, motorcyclists are allowed to use bus lanes which can speed up the time it takes to get from A to B considerably. Bus lanes on the majority of London's red routes have been opened up to motorbikes since January 2012 to help ease congestion and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But bikers need to be aware that this is not the case across the whole capital or in all towns and cities across the country. So it pays to check traffic signs carefully before entering a bus lane if you want to avoid a hefty fine.

The benefits of riding a motorbike if roads are sold off

If the government should press ahead with selling off major roads and tolls are introduced, bikers are still likely to enjoy lower motoring costs.

• Motorcyclists pay considerably less road tax, can get more miles to the gallon (unless you choose a gas guzzling model) and have fewer problems finding on-street parking so can avoid huge car parking charges.
• Based on current practice, motorcyclists are also likely to pay much less in toll charges. For example, bikes can use toll-charging routes such as the Severn Crossing, Dartford Crossing and Tamar Bridge for free. Even driving the length of the M6 toll road on a motorcycle will cost you almost 50% less than a car driver would pay.

MotorCycle Direct think it's too early to judge whether the government's road plans will go ahead, especially given the negative outcry about the scheme. But you may do better to 'get on your bike' either way.