Drivers could be forced to pay ‘tyre tax’ in crackdown on emissions from worn wheels and brakes

British drivers could face a ‘tire tax’ in the government’s latest crackdown on emissions that harm the environment.

Transport ministry ministers have hired consultants to advise on how to deal with emissions that scientists say are more dangerous than fuel fumes.

While many Britons are grappling with the cost of living crisis, there is strong evidence that some may face a ‘tire tax’.

After environmentalists gained ground by pushing British motorists to buy electric cars, the next battle is likely to be brake and tire wear.

It is possible that electric vehicles cause more emissions on the road than petrol cars, as they tend to be heavier and thus damage the asphalt more.

After environmentalists gained ground by pushing British motorists to buy electric cars, the next battle is likely to be brake and tire wear

While many Britons are grappling with the cost-of-living crisis, there is strong evidence that some may face a ‘tire tax’

However, Whitehall insisted that the advisory work was not done ahead of a new proposed tax, the Telegraph reported.

A government spokesman said: ‘We want to better understand the impact of non-exhaust emissions, such as tires, on the environment and that’s why we’re researching this.

‘This research was not carried out to develop tax policy.

“As we continue to achieve our goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050, we are committed to making the switch to electric vehicles affordable for consumers. UK.’

There is a possibility that electric vehicles cause more emissions on the road than petrol cars, as they tend to be heavier and thus damage the asphalt more (File image)

The news comes as it was revealed. Most Britons believe controversial ultra-low emission zones (ULEZ) in the capital are designed to skim money from drivers and boost new car sales.

Some 40 per cent of Britons surveyed for MailOnline believe that the primary role of the zones – where highly polluting vehicles must pay a daily surcharge – is to improve air quality.

But a combined 44 percent believe tax revenue and car sales are their primary goal, according to the poll by Redfield and Wilton Strategies.

In London, cynicism is even more deeply rooted, but only a third (33 per cent) of voters believe ULEZ is an anti-pollution measure, compared to 54 per cent who think it is a cash cow and helps us sell.

It comes amid a furious row over Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to expand London’s ULEZ area – where drivers of some vehicles must pay a daily fee of £12.50 – to all boroughs from August.

Some 40 per cent of Britons surveyed for this website believe that the primary role of the zones – where highly polluting vehicles must pay a daily surcharge – is to improve air quality.

Overall, more people are in favor of introducing ULEZ than against it, including voters in London

The poll showed that more people supported the introduction of ULEZ than opposed it, even in London. However, the measure does not receive majority support: a quarter of the respondents are neither for nor against it.

Khan is expanding the zone to cover the entire capital from August 29 to improve air quality.

Transport for London (TfL) estimates that more than 200,000 drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be affected.

Figures from Auto Trader show that the average cost of petrol and diesel cars for sale in London that are not liable for the Ulez fee is £15,000 and £19,991 respectively.

The typical cost for an electric car is even higher, at £36,102.

There are also just 5,150 Ulez-compliant cars for sale in London for £5,000 or less, according to the data.