Fuel duty cuts in the Spring Budget could “hinder progress” towards electric vehicles, according to a leading campaigner.
Toddington Harper, CEO of sustainable energy company GRIDSERVE, suggested lower petrol and diesel prices could aid the “continued reliance” on combustion models.
Instead, he has called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to look at dealing with problems for EV owners to make ownership easier.
No details have emerged on the future of fuel duty fees after more than a decade of repeated freezes.
However, the Government’s temporary 5p cut introduced back in May 2022 is scheduled to end in just weeks on March 23 unless further action is taken.
Although accepting that removing the 5p cut would have “short-term implications” for road users, Mr Harper reiterated that investment should be focused on the future.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, he said: “On one hand, further fuel duty drops would mean that fuel is cheaper for consumers who currently rely on ICE vehicles, but they could also hinder progress towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.
“Continued reliance on fossil fuels perpetuates carbon emissions and contributes to climate change, exacerbating environmental degradation and public health concerns.
“Moreover, fluctuations in fuel prices can lead to market uncertainty and volatility, impacting industries reliant on stable energy costs.”
As an alternative to tackling fuel duty fees, Mr Harper has called for the Government to address concerns around the unpopular ‘pavement tax’.
Motorists who top-up their electric vehicles at public charging bays are charged 20 percent VAT.
This compares to just five percent VAT on those deciding to plug in their vehicles at home.
It means those without access to off-street parking and their own EV charging plugs end up paying more to switch.
Experts at FairCharge have previously warned those solely using public bays could be splashing out a staggering £227 more every year.
Toddington added: “By prioritising investments in clean energy and transportation infrastructure, we can achieve long-term benefits for both the economy and the environment.
“Changes like cutting the tax rate for public electric vehicle charging to five percent in line with the rate for home charging would be more beneficial for both people and the planet.”
