Poll tax on wheels? Warning over new EV driving charge

A CHARGE per mile for electric vehicles in the Budget could be viewed as a “poll tax on wheels”, a motoring group has warned.

- NEIL LANCEFIELD

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a policy to introduce a 3p per mile fee for EVs on November 26, it has been reported.

The scheme is due to be implemented in 2028 after a consultation and would cost average EV drivers £250 per year.

The government said it is “right to seek a tax system that fairly funds roads, infrastructure and public services”.

It comes as the Treasury is being hit by a reduction in revenue from fuel duty as more drivers switch from petrol or diesel cars to EVs.

TOXIC

But AA president Edmund King warned: “While we acknowledge the Treasury is losing fuel duty revenue as drivers go electric, the government has to tread carefully unless their actions slow down the transition to EVs.

"The Zev (zero emission vehicle) mandate for 28% of new car sales to be zero emissions this year will not be met as sales are running at just 22%. We need to see the detail of this proposal to ascertain whether these new taxes will be equitable or a poll tax on wheels."