UK motorists do not favour proposals for a nationwide pay-as-you-drive scheme, according to research by Venson Automotive Solutions.
In a bid to plug tax revenue losses as a result of the UK’s EV transition, MPs on the Transport Committee have urged the UK government to consider introducing a road pricing scheme using telematics technology.
However, only 22% of motorists surveyed by Venson agreed with its introduction, whilst 38% backed the introduction of a specific EV tax.
Some 32% said they would support the introduction of charges at currently free public EV charging points, while 31% said they would accept a ‘road miles’ system, not dissimilar to a pay-as-you-drive scheme, which would see motorists who exceed a set annual mileage pay a per-mile premium.
What’s more, one in four (27%) motorists surveyed believe that a specific EV ‘business use’ charge should be introduced, payable by businesses operating EV fleets.
Alison Bell, operations director at Venson Automotive Solutions, said: “With the ban on the purchase of new petrol or diesel vehicles coming into force from 2030, followed by a ban on hybrid vehicles from 2035, the UK government has very little time to introduce a fair and cost-effective nationwide solution to recoup the lost taxes.
“Our research clearly shows that a pay-as-you drive system is not what motorists want, but they are not averse to an alternative, such as a specific EV related tax.”
Road pricing schemes are not a new idea. In 2005 the then Labour transport secretary Alistair Darling proposed a similar scheme. However, it was met with a petition signed by over 1.8 million people who stated the idea of tracking every vehicle at all times is sinister and wrong, and a ‘big brother’ state and invasion of privacy.
And while a boom in vehicle telematics usage over the last decade, particularly in relation to insurance discounts for younger drivers and fleet management systems, has softened motorist disapproval to share driving and vehicle data, the Venson survey suggests many motorists are still reluctant to embrace this type of technology.
“The increased uptake of EVs ahead of the 2030 ban does create a significant dilemma for government, as it does need to make up the revenue short-fall in vehicle excise and fuel duty taxes,” added Bell.
“However, interestingly, the Transport Committee Road Pricing Report does state that a switch to road pricing should be ‘revenue neutral’ and not cause motorists to pay more than they do currently, particularly high-mileage drivers such as road hauliers and those living in rural communities.
“But, until a new system is introduced, motorists may well fear that government will be looking to create a ‘cash cow’ in wake of wider economic challenges.”
You can learn more about the key trends and challenges affecting senior decision-makers who have responsibility for tolling, road pricing and intelligent transportation systems at the 19th annual Road User Charging Conference in Brussels, Belgium on 04-05 May 2022. Visit www.roaduserchargingconference.co.uk for more information.
