Thank you for contacting me about the APPG Inquiry to Alternative Ways to Lower Vehicle Emissions.
I agree that motorists should not be overburdened with tackling air pollution and climate change; it is most definitely important to maintain the delicate balance between keeping cost of living low while also maintaining the governments commitment to making our air cleaner. As, despite improvements in air quality, pollution is still the largest environmental risk to public health in The UK.
Because of this, ministers have provided 61 local authorities with the chance to bid for additional money from a £220 million Clean Air Fund in order to implement effective local plans, in which additional charges is one possible option.
I would also note that fuel duty in 2018 will remain frozen for an eight successive year saving the typical driver £160 a year on average. Ministers also have set out a clear mission to put The UK at the forefront of new sustainable design and technology. Planning for near zero emissions from all new cars by 2040.
Thank you again for contacting me. I will continue to follow this issue closely and support improvements when they are needed.