Politics · United Kingdom · 5 hrs ago
UK plans digital mileage checks for electric and hybrid car tax
The UK government plans to use car data to calculate a future mileage tax for electric and hybrid vehicles.
The proposal would let transport officials access mileage readings through connectivity systems built into newer cars.
The scheme is due to start in April 2028, with drivers paying the charge on top of standard vehicle tax.
The planned rate is 1.5p per mile for hybrid cars and 3p for fully electric cars, with rates rising each year in line with inflation.
The Treasury says participation would be voluntary and that drivers would not need to have tracking devices fitted.
Critics fear mileage monitoring could threaten privacy, while the government has not explained how the system would work or what safeguards would prevent journey details from being recorded.
The government says where and when people drive will not need to be reported, but the practical details remain unclear.
The UK government plans to use newer electric and hybrid cars’ built-in connectivity systems to help calculate a pay-per-mile road tax.
The Treasury says motorists would have to opt in and would not need to report where or when they drive.
Critics warn that digital mileage reporting could threaten privacy and be expanded to monitor journeys.
The levy is due to start in April 2028, at 3p per mile for fully electric cars and 1.5p for hybrid cars.
- Who
- The UK government plans the scheme; it would apply to electric and hybrid car drivers.
- What
- Built-in vehicle connectivity could be used to record mileage and calculate a pay-per-mile tax.
- When
- The levy is due to be enforced from April 2028.
- Where
- United Kingdom.
- Why
- To calculate tax bills; officials also hope the system will help prevent mileage fraud and streamline payment.
UK government and Treasury
Critics of digital mileage monitoring
Privacy safeguards
UK government and Treasury
The Treasury says motorists would opt in, no tracking devices would need to be fitted, and where and when miles are driven would not have to be reported.
Critics of digital mileage monitoring
Critics say the scheme risks recording private journeys and could be expanded into wider monitoring.
Purpose and impact
UK government and Treasury
Officials say digital checks could calculate bills, prevent mileage fraud and make payments more straightforward.
Critics of digital mileage monitoring
Critics argue the system could invade drivers’ privacy and freedoms.
Then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves first announced the pay-per-mile levy.
Ministers set out plans to use built-in connectivity systems in newer cars to help calculate mileage tax.
The pay-per-mile levy is due to be enforced.
- Fully electric cars
- 3p per mile
- Hybrid cars
- 1.5p per mile
- Start date
- April 2028
- Opt-in
- The Treasury says motorists would have to opt in
- Inflation adjustment
- The levy will rise annually in line with Consumer Prices Index inflation
1 source
What people are saying
They have snuck it out in the Budget, and they want your car gossiping to the taxman every mile you drive.
This reeks of Big Brother Britain.
This new mileage tax is becoming a gigantic excuse to monitor and invade the liberties of e-vehicle drivers.