‘Don’t forget the motorist’ warns RAC in CBI road pricing debate

The CBI’s proposals to remove the English road network from the Government budget will stimulate the debate to find a solution to easing congestion in the long term, but it’s critical not to overlook the views of motorists, warns the RAC.

RAC technical director David Bizley says: “We agree that something needs to be done to unlock road capacity but road pricing is not the answer in itself which is why we are calling for a comprehensive review of motoring taxation so that road charges are not seen as an additional tax on driving."

“Figures show that motorists contribute over £48bn* a year to the Exchequer which is more than five times the £9 billion a year that central and local government actually spends on roads. It’s therefore clear that motoring brings in sufficient money to run, and even invest in, our roads, it’s just that the Government chooses to spend this money elsewhere."

“It’s no wonder UK motorists feel they are being treated as a cash cow by government and it’s vital that their opinions are not ignored in this process. Any attempt to introduce road pricing will need to be explained carefully so that people understand the benefits such as incentivising driving at times and in places where roads are least utilised."

“RAC is not opposed to the principle of road pricing and other reasonable measures aimed at making better use of existing roads and reducing congestion as long as other areas of motoring taxation don’t continue to increase. And, if we are to go down this route then it is important that any net increase in motoring taxation revenues is ring-fenced purely for investment in the transport infrastructure.”

* According to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee Sixth Report ‘Taxes and charges on road users’ 14 July 2009.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmselect/cmtran/103/10302.htm

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
Fuel prices fall in August after two months of rises - but drivers continue to pay over the odds at the pumps
Average pump prices fell by less than a penny in August ending two months of rises, new analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has found.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Drivers divided on how to tackle pavement parking in England – but most want action
UK Government due to announce next steps on tackling problem pavement parking in England
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Draft third Road Investment Strategy published - RAC reaction
Following the publication this morning of the draft third Road Investment Strategy ('RIS3'), which sets out the Government's priorities for the country's major road network, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said:
media.rac.co.uk

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About RAC Media Centre

The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to 15 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

Contact

press.office@rac.co.uk

media.rac.co.uk