Angry motorists have called for the introduction of a new “mileage tax” to replace existing Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) fees.
Frustrated road users have suggested a pay-per-mile road pricing system could be fairer than the current policy.
Under existing rules, VED rates for petrol and diesel cars will rise in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation from the Spring.
Fees will likely increase by around six percent on April 1 with motorists owning the most polluting cars most affected.
Pete Barden’s predictions have revealed owners purchasing brand-new polluting models emitting over 255g/km of CO2 will be forced to pay £140 more.
Meanwhile, fees for electric car owners remain at zero until 2025 despite the number of EVs increasing.
This has left some road users to question whether the current system is fair or whether a new road pricing tool is the best approach.
Express reader @bigcloggy said: “Yes, as people have already said it should be a mileage tax.
“I see people just driving around for something to do and even using their car for a 300-yard walk when they are perfectly able to walk safely and able to do so as well.”
@armo533 explained: “My car has a big engine but I only do less than 2,000 miles a year but paying for rich company cars which do [two] times the mileage it should be a [mileage] tax.”
@pooran added: “I’m in the same boat as you, I just paid £695 for the year and only do £2,000 to £3,000 a year but if I buy a new car under £40,000 I can do 30 thousand miles crazy and pay a lot less.
@Ogribob wrote: “When will they learn? The UK produces just one to five percent of the world’s carbon emissions.
“Even if we get to the fabled [net zero] the world will not change. Our emissions are but a flea riding on the back of [an] elephant compared to China, India Russia USA Brazil etc.
“I drive around 3,000 miles a year and spending £40,000 on an electric car makes no sense. Once again, the Government is out of touch with reality.”
The Campaign for Better Transport found there was considerable support for a pay-as-you-drive tax system. The policy had 42 percent support among those polled while 21 percent were against the scheme.
Among those who backed the idea, 58 percent said it may encourage people to drive less while 57 percent revealed it would reduce the cost of driving.
Last year, the think tank Resolution Foundation suggested electric cars should be charged at 6p per mile.
But, research from Startline proved this was not popular with 55 percent of respondents against the new plans.
Two in five have claimed electric car tax should be kept low by the Government in order to encourage the take-up of new models.
Although, 22 percent did not like the idea of road pricing being introduced for any vehicle whatsoever.
