Government urged to follow Australia and cut travel costs

Pressure is mounting on the Government to reverse its plan to raise fuel duty in September, and take other measures to reduce the cost of travel.

Commentators are pointing to policies adopted in other countries, particularly Australia where fuel duty has been cut and free public transport offered in two states for a limited period.

Earlier this week Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that fuel excise would be halved in reaction to the fuel crisis caused by the Middle East conflict. He also urged citizens to use public transport more.

The fuel excise cut came into force on 1 April and will run until 30 June. The excise has been cut from 52.6 (27) cents to 26.3 (13.5p) cents a litre.

The cabinet also agreed to reduce the heavy vehicle road user charge to zero for three months.

Alongside this, two Australian states are offering free public transport to encourage people not to drive.

Victoria said travel will be free on all trains, trams and buses throughout April, while Tasmania said commuters will not need to pay until the end of June.

The Victorian government has estimated the measure will cost $70m (£36m).

Other state governments have so far declined to follow suit.