RAC says UK motorists are reducing car use because of higher costs, support for higher speed limits falling
03 June 2012
The latest annual Report on Motoring by the Royal Automotive Club (RAC) says that motorists are continuing to give up important day-to-day activities by car as a result of the high cost of motoring.
The report, based on a survey of motorists’ opinions also says that support for higher motorway speed limits has declined. A separate report for the RAC Foundation by the IFS says that the uptake of more low carbon cars is hitting Treasury revenues and suggests that the shortfall could be made up through taxes on mileage and congestion.
The RAC Report on Motoring 2012, which is based on a survey of 1002 British drivers, says that the cost of motoring remains the primary concern for drivers in 2012, 30% of motorists say this is their primary concern, and 61% that it is one of their top five motoring concerns.
Meanwhile, support for a higher speed limit on motorways has fallen from 75% in 2010 to 62% in 2012. Most motorists also believe that if the motorway limit is increased to 80 mph (129 km/h), most people will drive at 90 mph (145 km/h).
According to an IFS report—‘Fuel for Thought’—by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), the drive to promote greener, more efficient motoring will have the result of cutting income to the Treasury in 2029 by £13 billion (US$20 billion) compared with the current level.
Tax breaks for electric cars and lower fuel consumption from efficient vehicles will mean a collapse in income even as road traffic increases, the report says. The report recommends a move to a widespread system of road pricing. It says revenues raised in this way could be used to reduce other motoring taxes.
France uses a 'bonus-malus' system.
ie the global total of revenues needed is set, and less efficient/higher CO2 cars simply have to pay more and more tax.
That really keeps the pressure on for efficiency.
Posted by: Davemart | 03 June 2012 at 07:29 AM
I am against "low" speed limits (such as 55) but I am not sure I am ready for 90mph (and no, many cars do not get better mileage if they drive faster than 55mph.
And since when does the gov need money to spend money.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 03 June 2012 at 07:47 AM
Sooner or latter, the majority will wake up and realize that, higher speed driving and over sized heavy gas guzzlers were and are still being imposed by Oil and vehicle makers to maximize their profits.
Of course, they will both fight and try to delay the arrival of more efficient vehicles, specially the electrified ones.
Unfortunately, many of us will fall for their propaganda and twisted paid reporting.
Posted by: HarveyD | 03 June 2012 at 07:59 AM
By "many of us" you speak for yourself.
Higher speed driving and over sized heavy gas guzzlers cannot be imposed.
They apparently cannot delay the arrival of more efficient vehicles, specially the electrified ones. They are everywhere.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 03 June 2012 at 08:53 AM
TT.....you underestimate the power of repeated smart Ads and twisted so called scientific studies and engaged news media.
Posted by: HarveyD | 03 June 2012 at 11:19 AM
Your need to blame some evil forces for large car sales and higher speed driving is simply an unwillingness to accept the fact that many others do not share your views.
Such rationalizations only further loosen your grip on reality.
My belief that I can affect any increase in common sense might not be much better.
Posted by: ToppaTom | 03 June 2012 at 12:19 PM
People pretty well sticking to around 55-60 would greatly increase the range of BEVs.
Posted by: Davemart | 03 June 2012 at 01:08 PM
TT:
1. Who has the most to gain with 4 + tons vehicles driven at 87 mph or 140 kph?
2. Who has the most to lose from more efficient one-tonne electrified vehicles driven at 62 mph or 100 kph?
The answers are obvious!
Posted by: HarveyD | 05 June 2012 at 09:44 AM