Skip to main content

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.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • US tariffs harming trade worldwide - VDMA survey
    May 29, 2025
    Half of all machinery and equipment manufacturers polled anticipate declining competitiveness in the US
  • UK moves to disclose road data to app makers
    February 17, 2020
    The UK is proposing to share road network data, including roadworks, with makers of mobile apps to warn drivers of potential congestion months in advance.
  • US DOTs in critical funding battle
    February 9, 2012
    In the US, state DOTs are preparing for the upcoming reauthorisation battle in a tough economic and political climate. Set to expire by the end of the year, the bill is a critical funding source for many transportation projects in the US. However transportation officials in the US are facing a tough battle as the political and economic climate has changed considerably since the last reauthorisation was passed, shortly after President Obama's inauguration in January 2009. Since then, the recession has contin
  • Engineers Without Borders UK
    July 15, 2024
    Engineers Without Borders UK to launch the virtual design challenge.