Motorists who leave their petrol and diesel vehicles at home and embrace zero-carbon trips should be rewarded with car tax breaks, according to experts. 

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) stressed that motorists not polluting should be rewarded in a bid to cut emission rates. 

Tax breaks are a pause on charges which will help motorists and their families pay a lower fee to use the road. 

However, the AFP stressed this should only be reserved for those most deserving with those willing to stand up for climate change considered worthy. 

The AFP’s latest Tax and Regulations Manifesto 2024 read: “Tax breaks should be offered to employees who decide to leave their car at home and undertake an alternative, zero carbon journey instead – be it walking, cycling or e-scooting. 

“The Netherlands offer tax breaks for walking and cycling. These benefits should be offered for both commuting to the office and for business trips.”

The AFP has also called for tax breaks to also be awarded for the use of hydrogen vehicles. 

The AFP warned hydrogen vehicles could become a “viable alternative” for many with “some significant government investment in this product”.

Finally, the group warned that introducing the scheme will offer “increased uptake” of environmentally friendly models across the country.

The AFP would like to see schemes in the UK, similar to those available in France, whereby a tax-free allowance is given if an employee takes a mobility allowance, often as an alternative to a company car. 

“We believe this will provide an increased uptake in the numbers of corporate employers and employees moving from a fixed car solution to something more flexible and environmentally friendly. In France, the allowance is currently €600 (£510) per annum. 

“We would like to see an allowance of £2,000 based on the mode of transport.”

Under current rules, electric car owners already receive some form of tax break with owners completely exempt from paying Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). 

Discounts and exemptions are also in place across a range of city Clean Air Zones. 

However, this will change in April 2025 when EV road users are finally hit with the standard VED yearly fee which currently stands at £190.