Finance Act 1999

50 Cycles and cyclist’s safety equipment

(1) In Chapter IV of Part V of the Taxes Act 1988 (provisions relating to the Schedule E charge: exemptions and deductions), after section 197AB (inserted by section 48 above) insert—

“197AC Provision of cycle or cyclist’s safety equipment

(1) There is no charge to tax under section 154 (taxable benefits: general charging provision) in respect of the provision for an employee of—

(a) a cycle, or

(b) cyclist’s safety equipment,

without any transfer of the property in the cycle or equipment.

(2) In this section “cycle” has the meaning given by section 192(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1988, and “cyclist” has a corresponding meaning.

(3) The exemption conferred by subsection (1) above is subject to the condition that the benefit or facility in question must be available generally to employees of the employer concerned.

(4) The exemption is also subject to the condition that the employee must use the cycle or safety equipment mainly for qualifying journeys.

• For this purpose “qualifying journey”, in relation to an employee, means a journey—

  (a)

  between his home and workplace, or

  (b)

  between one workplace and another,

  in connection with the performance of the duties of the employment.

(5) If under this section there is no charge to tax under section 154 (or would be no charge if the employee were in employment to which Chapter II of Part V applies), there is no charge to tax under section 141 (non-cash vouchers) in respect of a voucher evidencing the employee’s entitlement to use the cycle or safety equipment in question.

(6) In this section—

• “employment” includes an office and related expressions shall be construed accordingly; and

• “workplace” means a place at which the employee’s attendance is necessary in the performance of the duties of the employment.”

(2) In section 27(2B) of the [1990 c. 1.] Capital Allowances Act 1990 (cases in which expenditure on machinery or plant qualifies for allowances although not “necessarily” provided for use in performance of duties of employment)—

(a) in paragraph (a) after “mechanically propelled road vehicle” insert “or a cycle”; and

(b) after paragraph (b) insert—

• “In paragraph (a) “cycle” has the meaning given by section 192(1) of the [1988 c. 52.] Road Traffic Act 1988.”.

(3) The provisions of this section have effect for the year 1999-00 and subsequent years of assessment.