Charging Motorists to Use Roads Could Help with Shortfall

As the Government announced a giant leap towards a greener future, so the financial impact of the move has come under scrutiny.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson detailed a 10-point plan as he attempts to deliver on a promise to bring emissions to net-zero by 2050.

One of those points involves the banning of new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with only new electric and hybrid vehicles available after that.

That move, although improving environmental targets, leaves a black hole in the economy to the tune of £40bn, it has been reported, if you include the dramatic loss in fuel duty and car tax.

The solution? One rumoured to be under consideration is applying charges to use roads.

There are currently stretches of road which charge for use, with the major schemes including the M6 toll near Birmingham, the M25 Dartford Crossing and the Congestion Zone in London.

But a roll-out on this ideal – essentially a pay-per-mile scheme – would boost Government coffers significantly.

Whether they can successfully implement this is another question after Labour’s attempt under Tony Blair was derailed following large-scale resistance to the idea.

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