Letter to the editor: Why don’t we tax tyres, instead of fossil fuels and EV road use

Dear editor

Here’s an idea I have had for a Road Users Tax as we move from ICE (internal combustion engines) to EVs and Hybrids.

Why wouldn’t we tax new tyres at the point of sale – every vehicle needs them, and all road users need them regardless of technology.

So if I:

1. Don’t drive much my tyres last longer and I save money
2. Am a heavy vehicle driver and drive a lot – I will pay more, but that makes sense because I am a bigger road user.
3. Prefer a lighter vehicle to lower tyre wear and tax I will also save fuel – more enviro savings
4. I drive carefully my tyres will last longer – I save money, and help the environment and there are road safety benefits too.

Do you know if anyone has looked at this seriously?

Thanks

Roger