Labour has exposed a glaring issue in the Conservative transport plan for drivers which could risk confusing motorists and see them pay more.
Earlier today Mark Harper told GB News that the Tories would not introduce a pay-per-mile scheme for drivers and would reverse the Ulez expansion.
However, a social media post by Huw Merriman, the Minister of State for the Department of Transport thought otherwise.
Posting on X, Merriman had previously tweeted: “#ULEZ expansion; bold attempt to reduce congestion and pollution or failure to use dynamic #RoadPricing and charge per mile actually used?”
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The post included a video which showed Merriman in favour of a pay-per-mile system which would see drivers charged for how much they travel.
In the video, Merriman can be seen saying: “Any car that goes inside the North or South Circular will have to pay a £12.50 charge.
“That means a car driving just into a street will have to pay £12.50 but a car driving around central London for 10 hours will have to pay the same amount.
“Is that right? Is it a good step to reduce pollution or is there a more dynamic way, charging cars by the mile, so that you really charge pollution as it occurs?”
The comments made by Merriman directly contradict what was said by Transport Secretary Mark Harper earlier today. He told GB News that the Conservatives would not increase taxes on motorists and “we're not going to have pay-per-mile road taxes”.
But Merriman's post suggests being in favour of a pay-per-mile system in London. The road tax is a proposed system which would replace the current Vehicle Excise Duty.
Under the measures, it would see drivers pay tax based on the number of miles they drive each year instead of paying a lump sum.
A few weeks ago, however Merriman announced that he would not be running for re-election in July for the position of MP for Bexhill and Battle in East Sussex, although until that time would still hold his ministerial position within the transport department.
Commenting on the Conservatives’ drivers’ plan, a Labour spokesperson said: “This is desperate stuff from a Government that has run out of road.
“The Conservatives' abysmal record on drivers is there for everyone to see. Britain has 100 times more potholes than craters on the moon and car insurance costs are out-of-control.
“Labour is on the side of drivers. We will tackle rip-off car insurance costs and break down planning barriers to ensure transport infrastructure is delivered and delivered on time.
“And we will leave decisions on safe school streets and local traffic measures to local communities - not politicians in Westminster.”
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The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan had previously detailed how the pay-per-mile scheme was not on the table and not on his agenda.
But the Mayor did state he will not “move the goalposts” on Ulez emissions.
GB News has contacted the Conservative Party for a comment.
