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Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.

Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad, presented by distinguished writers, journalists and academics.

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Analysis: Power Drive

04/03/2024

Power Drive

BBC Radio 4 - Analysis, Power Drive

Motorists wield votes that politicians want, but is that power balance going to change?

Both of the main parties in England want to be the motorists' friend, but is 'driver power' as strong as politicians fear, and how will car electrification change things?

It's widely believed that the Conservaives won the Uxbridge by-election because of motorists who were annoyed by the London mayor's ultra low emission zone. With a general election looming, both main english parties want to harness "driver power". But how did the vote of car and van owners become so important? Does the independence driving brings lead to a libertarian attitude? Or is that combative attitude caused by drivers feeling that they have been used as cash-cows by successive governments, which have gladly taken their road tax and fuel duty. But that power balance is also set to change, with the eventual electrification of all UK vehicles. Could road pricing replace fuel duty - and how will motorists respond?

Presenter: Chris Bowlby
Producer: Jim Frank
Editor: Clare Fordham

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