EXCLUSIVE: Campaigners are worried that Andy Burnham may make life a complete nightmare for road users.
Motoring campaigners have raised concerns about Andy Burnham (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham could make life even worse for UK motorists, with experts warning the future Prime Minister will introduce more “anti-driver policies”. Howard Cox, founder of campaign group FairFuelUK, has predicted that Burnham will lead to more “uncertainty” on the roads, with the new Labour leader tipped to increase taxation and axe cars in urban areas.
Little is known about what Burnham will do in office, with the former Mayor of Greater Manchester staying mostly tight-lipped in the run-up to taking control. However, Howard has stressed that Burnham has already demonstrated enough in his previous role to act as a blueprint for Government.
FairFuel has warned that Mr Burnham could lead to ‘uncertainty’ for drivers (Image: Getty)
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Howard 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.”
“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’.”
Andy Burnham is set to take over as Prime Minister on Monday after winning a majority of support from fellow Labour MPs.
Howard Cox has suggested that Mr 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. Howard has warned this could accelerate the shift away from cars in urban areas.
Howard told Express.co.uk: “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.”
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, previously scrapping Manchester’s Clean Air Zone at the last minute despite spending around £100million.
Howard 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.”