Statement on reports government is considering ending fuel duty freeze

Following reports that the government is considering ending the current fuel duty freeze, RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said:

“UK motorists already pay some of the highest fuel duties in Europe – with VAT also charged on every litre of fuel sold. This, coupled with fuel prices being at their highest in more than three years means that drivers are increasingly being squeezed at the pumps. During this very period, motorists have also seen tax on their car insurance premiums double. Overall, it means the Treasury is now collecting more than £40bn a year from drivers in motoring-related taxation, so there is a very strong argument that motorists are already paying their fair share of tax.

“It is also the case that for many people, having easy access to a car is essential – especially where public transport is patchy or it simply isn’t practical to walk or use another form of transport. And for some, a car is a lifeline, especially for those in rural communities.

“By the Treasury’s own admission, lower fuel duty rates actually boost economic growth and consumer spending which offset any revenue loss. Given the evidence, we do not think there is any justification for the Chancellor to raise fuel duty.”

Press office team

Press office team

For journalist enquiries only

Share

Latest News

Website preview
Amber heat-health alert issued for all regions in England - RAC comment
Following the news that an amber heat-health alert has been issued for all regions in England, RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: "Drivers should take every precaution in the heat because when temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same. One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
One-in-six drivers who ignore MOT advisories suffer a breakdown – or worse
RAC warns against ‘advisory apathy’ or run the gauntlet of a breakdown
media.rac.co.uk
Website preview
Government commits £24bn to road maintenance in 2025 Spending Review - RAC comment
In response to the Government's Spending Review, which commits £24bn of capital funding to road maintenance between 2026 - 2030, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Giving councils the certainty of longer-term funding to fix their roads is something we’ve called for many years, so this is excellent news. Local authorities now have a golden opportunity to end the cycle of merely filling potholes and instead begin to be much more proactive in their maintenance. This must include both more surface dressing to keep decent roads in good condition and resurfacing those that are at the end of their lives. It’s incumbent on councils to grasp this new opportunity and show all road users how it’s making a genuine difference in the quality of the roads they use every day."
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 nearly 14 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