In its ‘The Future of Driving’ report, the centre-right think tank said that road transport in Britain generates too much congestion and air pollution and that drivers are paying more through taxation than is invested back in the road network.

CPS argues that fuel duty and vehicle excise duty should be replaced with a per-mile charging system, with higher mileage allowances for those living in rural areas to ensure fairness. This should initially apply only to electric vehicles, which would still pay less than their petrol or diesel counterparts.

The report also shows that there is strong public backing for clean-air zones to tackle air pollution. However, focus groups made clear that local governments need to work harder to bring the public on board and avoid the perception that such measures are simply about raising money.

London expanded its ultra-low emission zone in late 2021 and subsequently raised an estimated £93.6m of additional revenue over...