UK Government considers charging for use of motorways

The UK Government is considering plans that could see motorists pay an annual fee of up to US$236.99 (£150) to use the country's motorways and trunk roads. The charges would be introduced as part of a move to reform vehicle excise duty, which currently raises $9.442 billion (£6bn) per year. Although the Government has dismissed the imposition of a flat-rate fee on those using the UK's largest roads, it has said that it is looking into introducing more sophisticated access charges. These would vary according
February 12, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
The UK Government is considering plans that could see motorists pay an annual fee of up to US$236.99 (£150) to use the country's motorways and trunk roads. The charges would be introduced as part of a move to reform vehicle excise duty, which currently raises $9.442 billion (£6bn) per year.

Although the Government has dismissed the imposition of a flat-rate fee on those using the UK's largest roads, it has said that it is looking into introducing more sophisticated access charges. These would vary according to several factors, such as by the weight of the vehicle or by a vehicle's CO2 emissions. The Government has said that these charges would be offset by a cut in the headline road tax rate. However, the 3440 AA motoring organisation believes that the measures will have a negative impact on low income households, who may find themselves confined to local roads.

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