The majority of people are against major car tax plans which would see a pay-per-mile scheme introduced, according to new data.
A total of 53 per cent of UK road users do not want to pay their car tax based on the amount they drive, which has frequently been touted as a suitable way to reform motoring taxation.
There have long been calls from experts to introduce such measures in a bid to tax drivers in a fair way based purely on how much they drive.
The pay-per-mile proposals have been met with mixed responses as many fear that people living in rural areas, as well as those who drive long distances for their jobs, will be charged higher amounts.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Some experts have suggested the use of speed cameras for the pay-per-mile scheme
PA
New research has shown that the majority of drivers do not think such a measure would not be implemented fairly.
The most common reasons for a lack of faith in such a scheme include that it would be unfair on those who drive more, with 52 per cent saying this was their key fear.
Other factors include fears that it would make road tax too complicated (51 per cent) and that it would not be enforced efficiently (43 per cent).
Tom Banks, car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “A shake-up of the current tax system is certain to cause differences of opinion for motorists across the nation.
“Our latest research into drivers’ attitudes towards the new proposal shows that at the moment, more motorists are against a switch to a pay-per-mile tax method.”
Three in 10 drivers said they were unsure how the scheme would be implemented and whether it would actually reform how car tax is currently collected.
Potential options could include a GPS “black box” system, the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras tracking vehicles, or manual mileage submission.
Almost one-third of drivers highlighted how data privacy concerns was enough to put them off implementing such a scheme.
Tom Banks added: “Our report also highlights the valid concerns of drivers about what the new method of tax could mean for them.
“So, one thing is for sure, if a pay-per-mile system is to be put in place, motorists' concerns need to be addressed first.”
Older drivers are the most likely age group to support the measures, with one-third of people aged 55 and over in favour of a pay-per-mile system.
This is compared to just 24 per cent of motorists aged between 35 and 54, and 19 per cent of those between 18 and 34.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Electric vehicles are 'integral' to meet net zero aims amid strong demands to remove diesel cars from roads
- Sadiq Khan to send scrapped Ulez cars to Ukraine with 'plenty of money left' for petrol and diesel drivers
- M5 traffic: Drivers warned of massive delays and congestion this week with Cheltenham Festival taking place
There are fears that lorry drivers would be unfairly affected by the proposals
PA
Most recently, Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, slammed pay-per-mile tax proposals and branded them a “Big Brother cash grab”.
Cox, who is running as the Reform UK candidate for London Mayor, said he would “fight tooth and nail” to protect motorists.
