UK Thinktank Urges 88p-a-Mile Tax on Self-Driving Cars as 417,000 Driver Jobs Face Risk
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 11
UK Thinktank Urges 88p-a-Mile Tax on Self-Driving Cars as 417,000 Driver Jobs Face Risk
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 11
Summary
Centre for British Progress said Britain should tax self-driving cars immediately, arguing an eventual 88p-a-mile charge could curb congestion and smooth the fiscal transition before autonomous vehicles become widespread.
The report says wider AV ownership would lift road use, drain public transport demand and threaten much of England’s 417,000 taxi and private-hire jobs, with Department for Transport forecasts showing a 24% rise in road miles by 2050.
By 2050, the thinktank estimates such a charge could raise £47 billion a year, helping replace roughly £27 billion in annual fuel-duty revenue that is expected to fade as electric vehicles spread.
Wayve said an early sector-specific tax would punish a promising UK industry, while ministers have promoted robotaxis as a growth opportunity after limited London services launched this month with Uber and Wayve.
GMB, which represents drivers, said a tax alone would not address the disruption and renewed calls for plans to reskill and redeploy workers as robotaxis expand.