Martin Lewis gives money-saving advice on VED car tax
Mr Freeman has warned the new system could mean drivers live in a “big brother society”, where their cars could be tracked “at any time”. He said the only way a pay per mile system could work would be to install a black box telematics device on your vehicle.
These are sometimes used by younger drivers to bring down insurance costs but can monitor vital details such as location, overall mileage and average speed.
Mr Freeman cautioned this new system could invade drivers private lives and would likely be rejected by UK motorists.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Freeman said: “I think charging per mile is flawed with problems.
“First thing, the only way that would actually work is if you introduce a black box system.
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“People have a right to privacy and if you had a black box in your car the right of privacy would be invaded by the Government.
“We would be living in a big brother society where you would be able to be tracked at any time exactly where you are and I don’t think many people want to live in that sort of society.”
Confused.com has previously confirmed a telematics black box device is the “equivalent of having a tracker on your car”.
However, they say this could be positive for road users with drivers able to track their car if it was stolen.
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A tracking device could also deter potential thieves as there is a higher chance of being caught.
Confused.com says insurance firms are not interested in tracking your daily whereabouts and use the tool to work out your average premium.
The new proposals are being considered to fill a £40billion gap in public spending due to the switch to electric cars.
The government will lose revenue from Vehicle Excise Duty and fuel duty charges when more switch to zero-emission vehicles.
The Department for Transport says it was vital car taxes continue to keep pace with changes on the road to continue to fund public services.
Any changes to the car tax system will be considered by the Chancellor and any steps will be announced in due force.
However, Mr Freeman has warned it could be difficult to introduce any legislation for pay per mile charges.
The scheme would likely attract opposition among motorists which would lead to a backlash.
He told Express.co.uk: “I don’t think they would get that through Parliament.
“I think any parliament that introduced it would never get elected again.
“There will be a huge backlash, there will be demonstrations around the country.
“While this country, most people accept and are reasonable people, they would not accept a government saying ‘I’m going to know where you are any time of day or night because I’ve got a black box in your vehicle and I’m able to trace you’. It’s alien to our culture.”
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