VED is a tax levied on every vehicle on UK roads. The first-year rate for new vehicles varies according to their carbon emissions, from zero for the cleanest models to as much as £2,000 for the most polluting. A flat rate of £140 applies for subsequent years, except for zero-emission vehicles which continue to have no charge.

The survey of 3,000 UK adults’ views on road pricing found that three out of five people (60 per cent) believe vehicle taxation needs reforming. Nearly half (49 per cent) favour a scheme that charges drivers based on how they use their vehicles.

The research carried out for pressure group the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) found that people supported a well-designed pay-as-you-drive system that they believe would be a fairer and more transparent way to tax electric vehicle (EV) drivers and could ensure people who drive less, pay less.

Those polled thought that a scheme which included measures such as a tax-free mileage allowance...