Drivers across the UK are expressing strong opposition to a proposed overhaul of car tax proposed by Labour’s Rachel Reeves, which could see motorists charged 3p per mile starting in 2028. According to recent reports, this pay-per-mile tax aims to impact all road users, particularly electric vehicle (EV) owners, stirring controversy ahead of the Autumn Statement on November 26.
Many drivers view the plan as unfair, especially those who have already invested heavily in electric or hybrid vehicles. A taxi driver speaking to GB News described the levy as “disgusting,” highlighting the financial strain it would add on top of escalating living costs such as shopping and household bills.
The driver explained, “It’s hard enough to live as it is with everything else that’s going up. Increasing charges on electric vehicles — which were previously exempt from road tax — feels unjust.” She noted that petrol car users currently contribute through fuel duty but worries that the new system unfairly targets EV owners.
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Others voiced frustrations over the lack of electric charging infrastructure. One driver shared concerns about long wait times at charging stations, with multiple cars queued for limited charging points, causing journey delays of several hours. This experience has made many hesitant to switch fully to electric, considering hybrids as a possible alternative, though there are worries about proposed taxes on hybrids too.
The overarching sentiment among drivers is one of disillusionment. Many see the tax as simply “more tax,” an additional financial burden during a time of rising costs for car tax, petrol, insurance, maintenance, and MOT fees. Some have even threatened to abandon car ownership altogether and rely on public transportation instead.
As the government prepares to unveil further details, motorists remain apprehensive about how these changes will affect their budgets and daily lives.