As the War on Motorists Continues, We Assess the Impact of PPM on Drivers
It has begun! Barely five days after the new Labour government took power, we’re already seeing the early signs of what many, including myself, have been warning about for years. The dreaded pay-per-mile road user charging system is no longer a distant threat but a looming reality. This development isn’t just a hypothesis from a fictional narrative in my book The ULEZ Files (which predicts PPM implementation in London in the year 2026) but this is a tangible shift happening right now – potentially turning my fiction into our fact!
Labour’s Push for Pay-Per-Mile
On July 9th, the Express reported that Labour was being urged to introduce a new pay-per-mile car tax system. The primary target? Electric vehicle (EV) owners. This move is touted as a necessary step to fill the gaping holes in public finances caused by the switch to EVs, which, unlike traditional petrol and diesel cars, do not contribute to fuel duties.
A top civil servant from the Department for Transport has been vocal about the need for a new tax system for EVs. With many EV owners currently paying minimal to no road tax or fuel duty, the government sees a pay-per-mile system as a fair way to ensure all drivers contribute to road maintenance and public finances.
“Barely five days after the new Labour government took power, we’re already seeing the early signs of what many, including myself, have been warning about for years.”
The Impact on EV Adoption
This proposal is particularly concerning for EV advocates. The government has spent years encouraging drivers to transition to electric cars as a way to combat urban pollution and climate change. Introducing a pay-per-mile tax system could significantly undermine these efforts, disincentivizing drivers from making the switch to EVs.
EV owners already face substantial costs. Purchasing an electric vehicle is expensive, and while home charging is relatively affordable, public charging stations are heavily taxed. In some cases, the cost per mile of running an EV using public chargers can exceed that of a petrol car. Adding a pay-per-mile tax on top of these expenses could make EV ownership financially unattractive for many.
“Introducing a pay-per-mile tax system could significantly undermine efforts to encourage drivers to transition to electric vehicles.”
Privacy Concerns and Practical Challenges
One of the most contentious issues surrounding the pay-per-mile system is privacy. Implementing such a system would require tracking each vehicle’s mileage, raising significant concerns about data security and government surveillance. Critics argue that this could lead to a “Big Brother” scenario, where every journey is monitored and recorded.
There are also practical challenges to consider. The cost of setting up and managing a pay-per-mile system could be exorbitant. Howard Cox of FairFuelUK has highlighted that the administration and accuracy required to ensure drivers do not pay more than they currently do through fuel taxes would be extremely complex and costly. Small businesses and logistics companies could be particularly hard hit, facing financial strain from the additional administrative burden and costs.
“One of the most contentious issues surrounding the pay-per-mile system is privacy, raising significant concerns about data security and government surveillance.”
The Road Ahead
While the Labour government is being advised to act quickly, introducing such a sweeping change requires careful consideration and public consultation. According to a GoCompare survey, over half (53%) of British drivers are against the introduction of a pay-per-mile system, with many viewing it as another method of increasing taxes on motorists.
There is also the issue of fairness. Early adopters of EVs, who have invested in greener transport solutions, may feel unfairly penalised by this new tax. Furthermore, if the system is initially applied only to new EV purchases, it could create disparities and market distortions.
“Over half of British drivers (53%) are against the introduction of a pay-per-mile system, with many viewing it as another method of increasing taxes on motorists.”
Is it inevitable?
The introduction of a pay-per-mile car tax system in the UK is a significant and controversial proposal that will have far-reaching implications for drivers, particularly those with electric vehicles. While it aims to address revenue shortfalls and promote fair road usage, the potential drawbacks—ranging from privacy concerns to financial burdens—cannot be overlooked.
As always, it’s crucial for the public to stay informed and engaged. This is a democracy, and your voice matters. Whether you support or oppose this proposal, make sure your opinions are heard. The future of road taxation and the broader automotive landscape in the UK could be shaped by these critical discussions.
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If this happens, Sharzad, then the country will grind to a halt and other countries that are not using ULEZ and pay-per-mile are going to laugh at us all the way to the bank! There will be no more money. No-one will pay!
I had lunch with an old army buddy of mine whose last job was with COBRA (he resigned to take up a far more lucrative job with a British firm that provides national and international security options). He has lost track of the number of times he has told stupid politicians and civil servants NOT to do anything illegal and oppressive otherwise the groups of right-wing groups he has monitored will use that for justification to start insurgency (he gives the police less than two weeks to withstand an insurgency onslaught) and the armed forces won’t stop it because they do not support cutback MOD and politicians (people can take only so much!).
LOFRIX works so let’s get this ULEZ and pay-per-mile rubbish consigned to the scrapheap where they belong (no I am not going to scrap my car as it does not pollute due to LOFRIX and Ford say so too!).
Regards to all,
Steve.
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