Motoring campaigners have raised concerns that Andy Burnham, set to become Prime Minister, may introduce more “anti-driver policies” that could make life even worse for UK motorists. Howard Cox, founder of campaign group FairFuelUK, predicts that Burnham’s leadership will bring increased taxation and a shift away from cars in urban areas, creating “uncertainty” on the roads.
Burnham’s Greater Manchester Record as Blueprint
Little is known about Burnham’s specific plans for office, as the former Mayor of Greater Manchester stayed mostly tight-lipped in the run-up to taking control. However, Howard Cox stresses that Burnham’s previous role provides a clear blueprint for his government. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Cox said: “His flagship Mayoral policy brought buses under public control (franchising), integrated with trams, with a £2 fare cap and hopper tickets. This increased patronage significantly and aimed to make public transport competitive with driving.”
Cox added: “He has urged people to ‘ditch the car’ more often to sustain low fares and has said the UK has ‘been building for the car for far too long’.”
Devolved Powers and Public Transport Focus
Howard Cox suggests that Burnham’s likely emphasis would involve more devolved powers for regional mayors and councils on transport, expanded public control, and investment in buses, trams, and rail. This could accelerate the shift away from cars in urban areas. Cox warned: “So, the future for the UK’s 40m drivers under an Andy Burnham government is even more uncertain, with more anti-driver policies and increased taxation.”
Vehicle Excise Duty and Pay-Per-Mile Concerns
The FairFuelUK founder added that under an “Andy Burnham dictatorship”, Vehicle Excise Duty will still be an issue, with the pay-per-mile electric car fee unlikely to be ditched. This is despite Burnham previously stating that he was against direct driver charges and scrapping Manchester’s Clean Air Zone at the last minute despite spending around £100 million.
Cox concluded: “So the Burnham administration will not be good for drivers or the economy. But past U-turns (e.g., Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone) show that his policy can change under pressure. That is why FairFuelUK will be fighting this administration to deliver lower fuel taxation and to incentivise manufacturers to continue building new fossil-fuel vehicles.”
