Following last week’s General Election, the automotive sector has written its wish-list for the new Labour Government and what it sees as priorities to boost sales and the economy on wheels.
The RAC is calling for the new Labour Government to urgently tackle the most pressing concerns of the UK’s 40m motorists in its new transport policy.
The poor state of local roads, rising insurance premiums and stubbornly high fuel prices are the top three concerns for drivers in the forthcoming RAC Report on Motoring 2024.* As a result, the RAC is urging the Government to address these alongside four other key issues:
- Improve local roads
- Reduce the motor insurance tax burden
- Make fuel prices fairer
- Cut road casualties
- Support the transition to EVs
- Ensure civil motoring offences are enforced fairly
- Make paying for parking easy for all
The National Franchise Dealers Association looks forward to working with the next Labour government to tackle the key challenges facing the automotive retail sector said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK.
During the build-up to the General Election, NFDA released its manifesto [1] which outlined seven key ‘asks’ from the next government, including:
- Restimulating the private electric vehicle market
- Overhaul the flawed apprenticeship levy
- Mandated annual public chargepoint targets
- Outline a clear plan for future road pricing
- Remove unfair regulations for heavier, electric vans
- Increase HGV MOT capacity by introducing delegated testing
- Bring down business rates
Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV, said, “Labour should introduce a simple mandate that compels every local authority to open up 50% of their land for private companies to install EV chargers.
“They don’t have the capital or expertise to do it themselves. We don’t want any more rules or changes – that’s a headache for everyone. What we really need is continuity and certainty. This will really help charging networks to expand.
“There needs to be some encouragement to drivers, and we have a few options here. We could reduce the power cost for those who switch and get rid of the VAT on public EV charging costs. Norway is a good example.”
He added, “They gave free exemptions to the toll for EV drivers and gave free local authority parking as well. These aren’t expensive and they went a long way in creating a more positive feel about EVs.
“We have an opportunity to be world leaders in EV chargers. We have the expertise and capital to do it, and if we do it successfully, we can export this to other countries, creating jobs and investment along the way. “
The Government should set clear targets to deliver a certain amount of power to chargers on an annual basis or they get fined!
The LEVI fund has been a complete waste of time and needs to be scrapped. It means local authorities spend a lot of time faffing around unnecessarily for very little progress, he added.
The professional body, ECA looks forward to building on existing relationships with elected representatives and collaborating with the new government to achieve the five missions set out in the Labour Manifesto.
Electricians will play a pivotal role in delivering the key missions – from economic growth to clean energy. ECA will therefore be seeking early conversations with Minsters as the government takes shape.
The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation called on the newly formed government to change the way we look at our highways and transportation infrastructure.
Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, said, “CIHT congratulates the Labour Party on forming the new UK government and looks forward to engaging with them over the next few months. This is undoubtedly a time for change and a new clear and vision-led approach is needed from politicians and local and national governments.”
“Transport is politically challenging, and yet it plays a crucial part in our futures. People and goods need an effective transport network to support economic activity and social wellbeing.
“Good transport provides access to employment, goods, services and opportunities. How society invests in and uses the transport network also has major impacts on climate change and public health.”
Adam Hall, Director at Drax Electric Vehicles, has called on the new government to provide greater financial incentives for the EV industry. He has also urged them to continue the Plug-In Van Grant and Workplace Charging Scheme past March next year.
Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, has called on Labour to introduce more Zero Emission Zones to encourage better uptake of EVs – which will be key for decarbonisation in the waste industry.
