Back in 1908, The Motor Cycle reported that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Asquith, was lobbied by the RAC (Royal Automobile Association) and ACU (Auto Cycle Union), represented by Mr Robert Todd, and MU (Motor Union), represented by the Rev. F.W. Hassard-Short, which I’m sure you’ll agree is a very fine name indeed.
The RAC and ACU advocated taxation based on engine dimensions and therefore power. The MU recommendation was based on weight, stating that the current system was unfair because ‘motor cycles did comparatively no damage to the roads, and raised comparatively no dust’.
And we all know how that turned out.
