3:28 pm, October 21, 2026
Vertu Motors boss Robert Forrester has accused politicians of waging a ‘stealth war on the motorist’ through a series of increasingly anti-car policies.
The chief executive of one of the UK’s largest dealer groups has launched a blistering attack on national and local government, warning that motorists are being hit by restrictions and costs they never voted for.
Speaking at the London Press Club Awards, Forrester criticised everything from the controversial Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to blanket 20mph speed limits, camera-controlled road restrictions and plans for pay-per-mile taxation.
He warned that the combined impact of the policies was making driving more expensive, less convenient and increasingly restricted.
‘Over the past decade we have seen policy after policy which nobody explicitly voted for and which make driving more expensive, more restricted and less convenient – almost a stealth war on the motorist,’ he said.
‘Every one of these policies can be defended: but perhaps we should also look at their cumulative effect.’
Forrester made the comments in front of more than 150 senior editors, journalists and broadcasters at the awards ceremony, which Vertu Motors sponsored for the second consecutive year.
With the Budget approaching next week, he urged politicians to reconsider their approach to motorists and the wider automotive industry.
He was particularly critical of the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to meet annual electric vehicle sales targets or face financial penalties.
Forrester argued that the rules were damaging British car and van production and welcomed the government’s decision to review the mandate.
He said: ‘Many newspapers have reported on the complex issue of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, under which manufacturers must reach a target for electric vehicles sold or face crippling fines of £12,000 per petrol car above the target.
‘The targets and fines for vans are even more onerous, as “white van man” will know!’
He added: ‘The review has to recognise commercial reality and perhaps should consider rolling back other increasingly anti-car policies.’
The dealer group boss also questioned proposals for mileage-based taxation on electric vehicles, suggesting a simpler alternative based on vehicle weight.
‘For example, electric cars are going to face mileage-based taxation. Wouldn’t it be better to keep vehicle excise duty and base it on weight?
‘But no, the government wants it to be complicated, expensive and uncertain.’
Local authority policies were also in his sights, with Forrester highlighting the spread of 20mph speed limits, reduced road space and restrictions on where motorists can drive.
He singled out camera-controlled traffic restrictions introduced in Oxford last month as another example of the growing pressure on drivers.
However, he argued that policymakers were overlooking the importance of cars to millions of people, particularly those living outside major cities.
‘The motor car is not simply a consumer product. For millions of people – particularly outside London – it means freedom.
‘It means getting to work, taking children to school, hospital visits and reaching places public transport simply doesn’t.’
Forrester also reminded his audience of the importance of the motor industry to the British economy, pointing to the nearly one million people employed across manufacturing and retail.
He thanked journalists for scrutinising government policies and helping the public understand their implications.
Vertu Motors, founded in 2006, operates 196 UK showrooms representing more than 30 automotive brands, including BMW, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen, Kia and Land Rover.