Drivers face ‘tyre levy’ in latest crackdown on vehicle emissions

DRIVERS may face a “tyre tax” as Britain explores a crackdown on brake and tyre-wear emissions.

Ministers have hired advisers to examine how to address harmful emissions that experts say are more harmful than diesel fumes.

The Department for Transport has asked consultancy Arup to “develop recommendations on how to better assess and control these emissions, which will persist after a transition to zero tailpipe emission vehicles”, according to a government filing.

Although Whitehall officials this weekend insisted that Arup’s work was not designed to inform tax policy, it is being seen as one of the strongest signals yet that a tyre tax is coming down the road. Andy Turbefield, head of quality at Halfords, said: “Taxing road safety is not the right way to plug the fuel duty gap. Worn tyres and faulty brakes are two of the biggest causes of accidents.

“As it is, many motorists are delaying tyre replacement and basic maintenance because of the cost of living.”

Pollution from tyre and brake wear is expected to be the next battleground for clean air campaigners after drivers switch to electric vehicles.

“Particulate matter (PM) 2.5” is more harmful than NOX emissions that have been the target of low-emissions zones.

Although tyre technology has developed to reduce dangerous emissions, the Environment Department said last week that non-exhaust road emissions have “remained largely unchanged between 1996 and 2021”. Mr Turbefield added: “If taxing non-exhaust emissions is to be considered, then there needs to be more research into emissions from road surface-wear. It’s plausible that electric vehicles, heavier than petrol vehicles, cause more damage to surfaces and are a bigger source of road surface emissions. Any review must take into account the big picture.”

A government spokesman said: “We want to better understand the impacts of non-exhaust emissions, such as tyres, which is why we’re conducting research. It was not commissioned to inform tax policy development.

“As we continue to deliver on our target to meet net zero by 2050, we are committed to keeping the switch to electric vehicles affordable to consumers, which is why we are spending billions to help incentivise uptake.”