AA manifesto calls for graduated driving licence and pothole funding

The AA has launched its motoring manifesto ahead of the upcoming local and mayoral elections, and a pending General Election.

The manifesto - ‘Creating Confidence for Drivers’ - highlights five critical areas of action to address concerns on a range of issues.

They include keeping motoring costs low through fuel duty freeze, better fuel price transparency and reducing Insurance Premium Tax, along with the right incentives, infrastructure, and information to support the switch to zero emission vehicles, such as helping those without on-street parking by cutting VAT for on-street EV charging.

It also wants local and central government to address the pothole crisis with ring-fenced funds and use of technology for more permanent repairs and to scrap what it describes as the failed experiment of ‘smart’ motorways.

Furthermore, the manifesto calls for action road deaths through setting clear targets, increased roads policing and addressing the tragedy of new driver deaths through graduated licences such as restricting passengers for six months after passing their test.

Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said: “I hope this manifesto proves informative and helps to shape a better road ahead for all drivers as we enter a critical juncture for the nation.

“There are 50 million people with a driving licence in Great Britain and around 40 million licenced vehicles.

“Driving forms a vital part of the majority of people’s daily lives whether for work, deliveries, leisure, holidays or visiting family and friends.

“Driving matters to them and their views should matter to us as we head to the polls later this year. Implementing our motoring manifesto will help to create confidence for drivers now and for the future.”

Edmund King, AA president, added: “The AA’s manifesto is backed by polling of our members.

“We know that permanently fixing potholes is the number one issue, but we also know that drivers want action on scrapping ‘smart’ motorways, improving the safety of new drivers and being given more incentives and reassurance before switching to zero emission vehicles.

“Our message to all parties is motoring matters.”