By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2024-10-30 14:46:06 | Updated at 2024-10-30 17:29:00
3 hours ago
The Chancellor has confirmed that no road pricing changes will be introduced in the near future after serious concerns a system of pay-per-mile taxes could be introduced.
Many had suggested that the Government could introduce a pay-per-mile system of vehicle taxation in a bid to raise money as the Government struggles to deal with a £22billion financial black hole.
Experts have touted the use of pay-per-mile car taxes as a way to claw back revenue from the dwindling pot of fuel duty, especially as millions consider ditching petrol and diesel in favour of electric.
However, it has now been confirmed that the Government will not introduce road pricing as Chancellor Rachel Reeves failed to mention the changes during her Autumn Statement speech this afternoon.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Rachel Reeves has left the door open for road pricing in the future
GETTY
Prior to the Budget, an HM Treasury spokesperson told GB News: "We have no plans to introduce road pricing. We are committed to supporting our automotive sector as we transition to electric vehicles in order to meet our legally binding climate targets."
Despite the tax system being ruled out, in the lead-up to the Budget many organisations highlighted the benefits the pay-per-mile system could have with one expert stating it would reduce costs for drivers.
Policy Exchange noted that the introduction of pay-per-mile taxes would save the Government between £15billion and £30billion annually while also saving drivers roughly £200 per year.
In the foreword of the report by the think tank, Edmund King, president of the AA, said: “It is time for the country and our politicians to start seriously debating how we fund roads and sustainable transport in the future.
“It offers attractive possibilities to make the tax system more flexible and responsive to the needs of road users. For instance, it could offer free credits or compensation for excessive or overrunning roadworks.”
While car tax changes have been ruled out for now, the Government will still go ahead with new rules in the 2025 financial year, which will impact hundreds of thousands of electric car drivers.
From April 1, 2025, zero-emission cars will pay the lowest first-year rate. Rates for cars with CO2 emissions of 1 to 50 grams per kilometre and 51-75g/km, including hybrid vehicles, will increase to bring them closer to higher emitting cars.
Cars in the bands for CO2 emissions of 76-90g/km and above will pay double the equivalent rates from 2024 to 2025.
Further car tax changes will take place next year
GETTY
MORE TO FOLLOW...
