The fuel duty freeze must remain in place for another year to avoid hitting struggling motorists and stoking already sky-high inflation.

The 5p fuel duty cut was just for 12 months but the AA wants it to continue

The AA has appealed to the Chancellor to retain the temporary 5p duty cut introduced a year ago as it warns that heaping 6p a litre (5p duty + 1p VAT) back on the cost of road fuel would be too soon for workers, families and others who rely on their cars to function in their daily lives.

Pump prices have fallen in recent weeks but remain above previous historical levels – and AA president Edmund King said: “Drivers are out of the hurricane, but are still being lashed by the cost-of-living storm.

“It would be detrimental to put unnecessary strain on people by increasing fuel duty. Most goods and services are transported by road, so waving through higher pump prices onto logistics firms as well as the driving public will hurt everyone.

“Our message to the Chancellor is that hiking fuel duty will simply fuel inflation, so it is imperative that he keeps the fuel duty freeze for another year.”

Alongside a freeze in fuel duty, the AA is calling for a significant fund to tackle the worsening condition of roads and pavements across the UK as well as substantial investment in on-street EV charging infrastructure.

King continued: “Snowfall this week will inevitably lead to more potholes and further highlights the dangerous conditions of our streets. Some pavements are also in desperate need of repair and without significant funding now, our local infrastructure will go past the point of no return.

“Major and long-term investment is urgently needed to get our roads back to safe levels while helping meet our Net Zero target, as we encourage people to cycle or walk for short journeys.”

The AA also stressed the need to boost on-street EV charging. Out of the planned 300,000 public charge points by 2030, almost half are earmarked to be on-street solutions, but just 3,900 are currently installed using government grants, rising to 10,000 in the coming years.

King went on: “The latest figures show just 189 councils out of 398 across the UK have successfully applied for funding, potentially leaving massive blackspots for the 40% of homeowners without dedicated off-street parking. More help is needed to encourage councils to take up the grants, with equal focus on urban, suburban and rural communities to deliver a fair and accessible charging network.

“To help with skill shortages, we would also like to see mechanics and HGV drivers added to the Government’s shortage occupation list.”