The UK government is preparing to introduce legislation that would allow private companies to build, upgrade, and operate toll roads across the country, a move that would enable these firms to charge drivers for using certain highways. The proposed Highways (Financing) Bill, introduced last week, seeks to create a new framework under which private firms granted licenses could impose tolls on roads—including existing ones—after funding construction or enhancement projects.

The measures aim to attract private investment for road infrastructure that might otherwise be unaffordable for the public sector. The legislation covers A roads and motorways, with oversight provided by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator to prevent excessive toll charges. One of the initial projects expected to fall under this framework is the Lower Thames Crossing, a 14.5-mile route planned near Dartford to connect Kent and Essex.

Opponents of the proposal have raised concerns about the potential for a fragmented system of tolls, with drivers facing new charges on routes that have historically been free to use. Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden criticized the plan, describing it as a “stealth tax bonanza” and warning that it could create a “Wild West of punitive new charges” without any clear caps on toll fees. Similarly, Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice characterized the approach as a “war on motorists,” arguing it would disproportionately affect working families.

The AA president, Edmund King, questioned the fairness of additional tolls, pointing out that drivers already contribute approximately £34 billion annually through fuel duty and vehicle excise duty. Since Labour took office earlier this year, it has introduced a pay-per-mile levy for electric and hybrid vehicles and is reportedly planning a measure to increase fuel duty in the near future, which critics say will further raise fuel prices amid ongoing global supply tensions.

In a broader context of transportation policy changes under the current administration, proposals to increase penalties for parking violations and to raise parking charges are also under consideration. For example, parking fines outside London could more than double, with caps rising from £70 to £160, while some local authorities are exploring workplace parking taxes as additional revenue streams.

The Department for Transport stated that any tolls imposed through the new legislation would be subject to caps and independent regulation, aiming to balance the need for infrastructure funding with consumer protection. However, the lack of a formal parliamentary statement or detailed announcement accompanying the bill’s introduction has drawn criticism from political opponents who accuse the government of pursuing these changes without sufficient transparency.