Bournemouth's Green councillors warn new EV mileage tax will ‘punish motorists’
Bournemouth’s Green councillors say the government’s incoming milage tax on electric vehicles will ‘put people off’ EVs
The government’s plan to introduce a mileage-based tax for electric vehicle (EV) drivers has sparked sharp criticism from BCP’s Green Party.
Councillors say the policy risks slowing Britain’s shift away from petrol and diesel just as the 2030 sales deadline looms.
Under measures announced in the budget, drivers of fully electric vehicles will from April 2028 be charged 3p per mile, while owners of plug-in hybrids will pay 1.5p per mile.
Ministers say the tax will help fill the long-term gap in revenue caused by declining fuel duty, but green campaigners argue it sends the wrong message at the wrong time.
Cllr Simon Bull believes the change would “risk punishing ordinary people more”, with EV owners already paying Vehicle Excise Duty and facing a 20% VAT rate on public chargers.
He said: “From 2028, they’ll also be taxed simply for driving. That means drivers are taxed when owning a car, filling it up and now just using it.”
Many feel the legislation undermines the Labour’s own climate goals, especially considering the same government announced the 5p cut to fuel duty will now be extended to September 2026,
Cllr Bull claims this could make petrol and diesel cheaper for many drivers, particularly those unable to charge at home, just as they’re being encouraged to switch.
He said: “This confusing approach comes as the 2030 deadline for ending the sale of new petrol and diesel approaches.
“It offers the worst of both worlds: higher costs for those trying to do the right thing and no real incentive for others to switch.
“This shortsighted policy is a block on the journey to cleaner air for us all.”
With millions expected to transition to electric vehicles over the next decade, the row highlights a growing national dilemma: how to fund Britain’s roads without stalling its climate ambitions.