The fleet sector needs to start having a constructive discussion about the likelihood of road user charging being introduced in the future and the kind of scheme it would like to see.  

Earlier this year, MPs on the Transport Select Committee said in a new report that there was no viable alternative to road pricing

So says FleetCheck as it points out that the subject very much remains on the Government’s agenda as it looks to plug a £35bn fiscal black hole in the switch to EVs.  

Peter Golding, managing director at the fleet software specialist, pointed out that while per-mile charging seems to have gone under the radar a little, one of the things that Boris Johnson mentioned to the Commons Liaison Committee the day before his resignation was the probable inevitability of some kind of road charging scheme.  

“Now, exactly how much influence he has now is very much open to question, but his comments did provide a window into Government thinking. The topic is clearly a live one – especially at a time when the public finances are under pressure – and it is probable that different models are under discussion,” said Golding.  

Earlier this year, MPs on the Transport Select Committee said in a new report that there was no viable alternative to road pricing, and that the Government must have “an honest conversation with the public” about it.  

Meanwhile a report published a fortnight ago from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) expressed concern on a lack of government action on road pricing. The report echoes existing research on the need to plug the gap in fuel duty as electric vehicles become dominant and says preparations should begin now, otherwise there are potential political dangers that could hinder introduction.  

FleetCheck said it believed that it very much made sense for the fleet sector to begin to give formal thought to the subject.   

Golding outlined: “The declining tax take resulting from electrification means that Treasury revenue will be falling every year. It is inevitable that some kind of new scheme fills the gap.” 

He added that his own opinion was that any road charging scheme needed to be, above all, fair and easy to use – especially when it came to payment processing.  

“Our main concern is that the technology adopted proves too complex and, as a result, is difficult both to introduce and to use. There is a strong argument, we believe, for a graduated approach over time with simple systems being introduced in the first instance, such as tolls on some major motorways.  

“However, what really needs to happen is for the views of all the fleet industry’s major players to be heard. This is something that is almost certainly coming, and we should be doing everything to ensure that whatever solution is adopted meets our needs, as one of the major interested parties.  

“It would be responsible to start constructive discussions now. There is some good work being done in this area already – such as by the AFP’s Future Roads committee – and it would be positive for as many fleets as possible to make their views known.”