Pay-per-mile car tax changes are a 'threat to our privacy and freedom' as drivers warn 'we will not pay!'

In Wales, Cardiff City Council is currently mulling over a new road tax including a new user charging scheme to clean the air inside the city, which could be similar to a Congestion Charge.

A petition against this notion has been gaining strength since the summer. So far nearly 3,000 people have backed the statement entitled: “Stop intrusive national or local road pricing schemes in the UK”.

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The movement called on the Labour Government to avoid introducing a national or local scheme of road pricing.

The petition states: “They are a threat to our privacy as well as our freedom. The Government should recognise that drivers are charged many times over for using the road.”

Pay-per-mile taxes would replace the current Vehicle Excise Duty which has been in force for over 100 years. It would see vehicles charged for how much they travel rather than based on emissions produced by more polluting cars.

In September, the Welsh Government said it has no plans to introduce user charging on the Strategic Road Network but did not rule out taxes being implemented at more local levels.

The Government addedthat any local charging scheme can only be implemented on roads for which the charging authority is also the traffic authority.

“This means that local authorities have the legal responsibility and control over the roads they choose to implement such schemes on,” the Government explained.

Road pricing ideas have been met with heavy criticism from drivers who warn it could mean costs are hiked with those living in rural areas paying more. In response to the petition, one person shared: “I live in a rural village 'pay per mile' would be unfair.

"I am also a pensioner I can't afford a new EV. Even if I could afford one I have no way of charging one as I have no driveway and have to park on roadside where there are no pavements.”

Someone else said: “Drivers are already paying through the nose for the privilege of driving in London. Pay-per-mile will cripple many people, including small businesses and especially the sick and disabled who rely on carers and many of whom have regular and frequent medical appointments to attend.”

Another concerned motorist called it an unfair scheme adding: "Some of us need our cars to get to work as some of us leave early and as women, we are worried about the crime rate which Sadiq Khan has ignored for years.

“We will not pay, you get road tax, we pay tax on our fuel, we pay for MOTs and we pay VAT on any repairs and our MOTs, wake up and see what the motorist is paying into the country. This is one way to help bankrupt our country. Foolish people.”

Further information about new tax changes could be announced during this year's Autumn Budget on October 30.

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Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola added that pay-per-mile road taxes could risk driving more motorists off the road.

He explained: “It's clear that Brits are already struggling, and the new initiative, planned to launch in October, will have serious implications, especially for younger drivers and those living in rural areas who rely on their cars for essential activities like work and education.”