Downing Street is discussing plans to establish a network of toll roads, while ministers are looking for new ways to tax drivers.
Rishi Sunak is expected to lower the fuel tax for the first time in more than a decade in Wednesday’s spring statement, but No. 10 is worried that revenue from the tax will fall in the coming years as more people buy electric cars.
The only major toll road in the UK is on the M6 in the West Midlands, which on weekdays costs £ 7.10 for cars and £ 12.90 for trucks.
It told a source The times: “It’s definitely being taken very seriously in Downing Street. The policy unit gives it a thorough look, and the problems with the fuel tax now make it more urgent. “