Rachel Reeves' new electric pay-per-mile charge could be the first step towards a wider scheme involving petrol and diesel cars, according to a leading campaigner. Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, fears the new electric 3p per mile car tax fee is a “guinea pig” which could soon see all vehicles affected.
The leading campaigner, who pushed for a successful freeze of fuel duty for another Budget, stressed that “digital ID control” of road movements could be next. The group has pledged to fight against the introduction of lower taxation for drivers as they warned of the risks around the new 3p charge.
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Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Howard said: “I fear the 3p pay per mile on EVs is the thin end of the wedge that will hit all motorists, whatever the fuel is used. FairFuelUK will continue to fight for lower road user taxes."
When asked if he meant the new EV charge could be the first move towards a wider move which would encompass petrol and diesel cars, Howard responded: "Eventually yes.”
He added: “EVs are the guinea pigs to a digital ID control of our road movements for all vehicles.”
The Chancellor confirmed a new 3p per mile fee for battery electric vehicles and 1.5p per mile charge for plug-in hybrid vehicles in her Autumn Budget. The new charge will not come into effect until 2028 but early predictions suggest the move could add up to £300 per year to bills.
Campaigners, such as experts at Transport and Environment, have previously suggested that a road pricing system based on CO2 emissions could be feasible.
However, the Government claims the new rule is really being introduced to offset the loss of fuel duty revenue as more motorists make the switch away from petrol and diesel models.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast that fuel duty revenues, currently around £24bn, will halve current levels before the end of the decade to around £12bn per year by the 2030s.
Express.co.uk has contacted the Treasury and the Department for Transport for comment.
