UK Infrastructure Chief Advocates Pay-Per-Mile System

Sir John Armitt, chairman of the UK's National Infrastructure Commission, has asserted that the introduction of pay-per-mile road pricing is 'inevitable' as the country transitions to electric vehicles (EVs), which are exempt from fuel duties that currently contribute £30-35 billion annually to the Treasury. He emphasized the urgent need for alternative funding mechanisms to sustain transport infrastructure amid declining revenues from traditional vehicle taxes. While road pricing is politically sensitive, Armitt noted that similar systems have been successfully implemented in other countries, suggesting they could help alleviate congestion and improve infrastructure funding. He called for a 'proper public debate' on this matter, acknowledging the challenges of public acceptance. The government's planned infrastructure strategy aims to address these funding issues while overseeing major projects. Armitt's comments highlight the critical financial implications of the UK's shift towards a predominantly electric vehicle fleet by 2045.