On 2021-05-21, Tim+ wrote:
Personally, I doubt it. A mileage charge will be much easier to implement.

Practically, yes, but politically awkward.

If they introduce a milage charge that applies to all vehicles, without
reducing fuel duty, it will cause massive inflation while the majority
of vehicles are still non-electric.

If they reduce fuel duty they'll be pilloried for not following the
green religion.

If they introduce [milage] charges only for electric vehicles, they'll
kill the market stone dead, as they're currently more expensive and less
convenient than ICE, without an extra tax penalty for trying to do the
right thing.

What to do, what to do?

(Personally, I expect we'll get a gradual implementation of #1, where
road pricing / tolls / congestion charges will be introduced in stages,
the old "boiling frogs" strategy. This will make transport, personal and
commercial, more expensive, and ultimately reduce personal car
ownership and travel. Some think this would be a Good Thing. I don't,
but as a mere prole have no real say in the matter...)


--
Ian

"Tamahome!!!" - "Miaka!!!"