As the Prime Minister calls a General Election, what does this mean for drivers?
A MONTH from now, the UK will head to the polls once more to choose its leader, after Prime Minister Theresa May’s decision to call a snap General Election on 8 June.
The early indication is a landslide victory for May and her ministers, but if we’ve learnt anything from recent pre-voting polls, it’s that they can’t really be trusted at all.
Whichever way the election goes next month, what does it mean for the motorist? It’s a question we asked before the Brexit vote 12 months ago, and again back in 2015 when David Cameron’s Tory Government was elected.
The answer has been largely the same – a general disinterest towards drivers and car owners from all angles, with manifestos concentrating on battles over the EU instead. Sure, there might be a fleeting mention of freezing fuel duty and vague promises about spending more on road infrastructure projects “to get Britain moving”. Beyond that, though, it’s hard to see too many sweeteners for drivers.
But perhaps this time around, motorists will be remembered – just for all the wrong reasons. Don’t be surprised to see several parties look towards a headline-grabbing diesel scrappage scheme, or higher taxes for heavy polluting vehicles as would-be MPS look to win the clean-air war.
Whatever happens, the next six weeks look set to create more uncertainty and ill-feeling in a nation that seems increasingly divided by the day. Let’s hope whoever comes out on top is able to add some much needed stability and perhaps even be on the side of the motorist once in a while.
“This election, don’t be surprised to see MPS trying to win the clean-air war“