Ministers are drawing up plans to hand private companies the power to impose new tolls on Britain's roads, in what critics are calling the latest instalment of Labour's "war on motorists". Under the proposed Highways (Financing) Bill, firms that fund the building or upgrading of roads would become the effective highway authority for that stretch, allowed to charge drivers to recoup their costs, including on roads currently free to use. Supporters say the model could unlock investment for infrastructure the state cannot afford, but opponents warn it risks creating a "wild west" of inconsistent, profit-driven charges similar to long-running complaints about the Dartford Crossing.

The bill, tabled without a written parliamentary statement, would let licensed firms install number plate recognition cameras to penalise non-payers, and would apply to both new and upgraded existing roads. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the funding model has worked in sectors such as energy and aviation, but Tory shadow transport secretary Richard Holden and Reform UK's Richard Tice both accused Labour of quietly pursuing punitive charges on drivers, while the AA's Edmund King argued it would be unfair given motorists already pay almost £35 billion a year in fuel duty and vehicle tax. The plans come alongside other recent measures affecting drivers, including a proposed pay-per-mile levy for electric and hybrid vehicles, a planned rise in fuel duty, and proposals to more than double parking fines outside London.