Fuel duty freeze is a ‘mistake’ - Campaign for Better Transport Budget 2021 response

Responding to the announcement in today’s Budget (3 March) that fuel duty is being frozen for the eleventh consecutive year, Paul Tuohy, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, said:

“Freezing fuel duty for an eleventh year, in the same week that rail fares went up, is a mistake and sends the wrong signals about transport choices. These two policies put transport carbon emission targets even further out of reach and will worsen air pollution in our towns and cities.

“The Government cannot continue to avoid the inevitable, it must look to reform the old fashioned and outdated vehicle taxation system and replace it with a road pricing scheme that is fairer to everyone and better supports the Government's green ambitions. If the Government is serious about a green recovery, it must also to do more to support public transport, including introducing flexible rail tickets as a matter of urgency to help people return to work when the time is right.”