Thinktank urges UK levy on autonomous vehicles to counter job cuts

The short version

• The Centre for British Progress has called on the UK government to implement taxes on autonomous vehicles to address job displacement and road congestion.[The Guardian]
• The thinktank estimates that widespread adoption jeopardizes hundreds of thousands of private hire jobs across England.[The Guardian]
• Autonomous vehicle developer Wayve argued a tax would unfairly penalize innovators, while the GMB union warned the proposal does not go far enough.[The Guardian]
• Officials estimate that up to 40% of car sales could feature self-driving technology by the mid-2030s.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The Centre for British Progress recommended introducing taxes on autonomous vehicles to address rising congestion and employment risks.[The Guardian]
• UK government projections suggest that up to 40% of vehicles sold by the mid-2030s could have self-driving capabilities.[The Guardian]
• Department for Transport forecasts project a 24% increase in road miles by 2050 due to highly automated driving.[The Guardian]
• The thinktank estimated that an autonomous vehicle fee of 88p per mile could generate £47bn annually by 2050.[The Guardian]
• The autonomous driving firm Wayve warned that the proposed tax would penalize domestic innovators.[The Guardian]
• The GMB union stated that an autonomous vehicle levy would be insufficient to protect drivers' livelihoods.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Self-driving cars should be taxed to offset job losses, thinktank urgesThe Guardian - World