Report from Mayor of London highlights possible future transport policies - RAC reaction

Image: Getty

Following the publication of a new report from the office of the Mayor of London, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“These proposals would create massive financial challenges for individuals, families and businesses who run a car in London and even for those who visit the fringes of the capital. We all want to see cleaner air and cleaner vehicles on the road and it’s right the Mayor has ambitions to reduce emissions from road transport but these proposals could be beyond the means of many and will punish those who simply cannot afford an electric car. Our research suggests fewer than a third of drivers in London expect to switch to an electric vehicle within the next five years, and at the same time the Mayor himself cannot commit to a zero-emission TfL bus fleet until 2037.

“Worse still, proposals to charge vehicles outside of London to enter the boundary is likely to impact hardest on workers such as carers, tradespeople and night-time economy staff for whom there is no alternative to using a vehicle. At a time when the basic cost of living for Londoners is soaring, these proposals seem to be poorly timed, so we strongly urge the Mayor to think again instead of defaulting to extracting more money from the pockets of London’s drivers.” ​

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest stories

Website preview
More than 2,500 motorists caught drink-driving three or more times in the last 11 years
RAC analysis uncovers scale of repeat drink‑driving as more than 220,000 drivers hold alcohol‑related convictions
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
RAC renews partnership with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK to 2028
The RAC has renewed its roadside assistance contract with Mercedes-Benz Cars UK. Through to 2028, the RAC will continue to operate a network of Mercedes-Benz branded mobile technicians, all equipped with specialist Mercedes-Benz diagnostic equipment, to support Mercedes-Benz customers wherever they are in the UK, whenever they require assistance.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Pothole pain persists: Vehicle breakdowns where poor roads were to blame rose 15% last year
RAC patrols attended an average of 71 breakdowns a day because of potholed roads, up from 62 in 2024
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 British motoring organisation and has been championing drivers since 1897. Today it is one of the UK’s most trusted brands, providing complete peace of mind to over 15 million drivers across breakdown cover, insurance, and mobile servicing and repairs.

Its nationwide patrol force attends more than two million breakdowns every year, while its position as the UK’s leading independent insurance broker helps motorists find the right cover with confidence. The RAC has also reshaped the service, maintenance and repair market with its Mobile Mechanics, who carry out servicing and repairs at drivers’ homes or workplaces.

Committed to innovation, the RAC is fully electric‑ready with mobile EV charging technology for stranded drivers, and a suite of digital and data‑led solutions that make motoring easier and more affordable for consumers and fleets. These services come together in myRAC – the all‑in‑one app for vehicle maintenance, cheaper fuel finding and breakdown assistance.

Contact

media.rac.co.uk