Vertu CEO Robert Forrester has accused politicians of waging a “stealth war on the motorist” through increasingly anti-car policies.
Forrester made the comments in a speech to more than 150 senior editors, journalists and broadcasters at the London Press Club Awards, which Vertu sponsored for the second year running.
He highlighted the damaging cumulative effect of policies including 20mph zones, camera-controlled road restrictions and complicated and expensive pay-as-you-drive taxation plans.
Forrester was particularly critical of the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Ahead of next week’s Budget, he said: “Many newspapers have reported on the complex issue of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, under which manufacturers must reach a target for electric vehicles sold or face crippling fines of £12,000 per petrol car above the target.
“The targets and fines for vans are even more onerous, as ‘white van man’ will know! This has damaged UK car and van production.”
He welcomed the government’s decision to review the ZEV mandate, but said: “The review has to recognise commercial reality and perhaps should consider rolling back other increasingly anti-car policies.
“For example, electric cars are going to face mileage-based taxation. Wouldn’t it be better to keep vehicle excise duty and base it on weight? But no, the government wants it to be complicated, expensive and uncertain.”
