'In or out of the EU: it'll make no difference to motorists'

Whether our next PM is Boris or Dave, and we're in or we're out, life for the UK's 50m motorists won't change, says Mike Rutherford

It could have been a beautiful thing, this referendum. But then they, the ruling politicians, turned ugly and sabotaged it.

The vote should be about one issue: whether to stay married to the EU or divorce it. Instead, the process has been hijacked and abused. While voting on whether to leave or remain, we’ll effectively elect the post-referendum PM, too. A win for the remain camp and David Cameron keeps his job. Victory for the leave campaign and Boris Johnson gets the gig.

Our referendum on EU membership has gone from beautiful to politically sordid as it plunges into a Dave vs. Boris fight for the leadership of the Tories... and Britain. Many voters (me included) want no part of this.

In or out? What does the EU referendum mean for motorists?

But rest assured that whether our next PM is Boris or Dave and we’re in or out, life for Britain’s 50 million car drivers and passengers will remain largely unchanged. The BMW, Mercedes and VW empires will ensure we’ll still enjoy huge supplies of cars from Continental Europe. If not, buy British, Asian or North American. What’s the problem?

Lucrative taxation on cars, fuel, servicing, insurance etc will remain excessive here, and parking fees will still be among the highest on earth. Toll roads/congestion charging will increase. And due to the ignored problem of worrying population density in Britain, congestion on our roads, car parks and pavements will worsen. Guaranteed.

In or out of the EU, we’ll still be able to drive through European borders. But do we want to these days? The time, trouble and expense of crossing the Channel with our cars, negotiating the distressed Calais region, then driving across the continent on rip-off toll roads has taken away the appeal.

"How will our relationship with Europe impact on us car owners?"

Also, if Britain ‘in Europe’ is such a good thing, how come firms like Ford, Rover and Peugeot abandoned car production here while we were, er, ‘in Europe’? Will the Japanese, Indians, Germans and other foreign corporations close their factories and design studios here if the electorate votes Leave/Johnson instead of Remain/Cameron? Not a chance. Skilled, stable and experienced workers, infrastructure, heritage and ‘made in Britain’ badges attracted big car corporations to build in Blighty... and stay.

I’m not crazy about a possible messy divorce from the EU, or a cynical leadership coup by Johnson. But if you think a Brexiting Boris will force foreign-owned car corporations to quit their adopted treasure island that is mainland Britain, I’ve got news for you: they’ll be doing no such thing.

How will you be voting in the EU referendum? Leave us a comment below...

Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Most Popular

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio
Auto Express editor-in-chief Steve Fowler holding a speaker developed by Warwick Acoustics
Features

The paper-thin speakers set to transform car audio

British firm is planning to shake up the in-car hi-fi world with its audio panels that replace traditional speakers. We sound them out
27 Nov 2023
Deal of the Day: Great value Suzuki S-Cross looks even better at £187 a month
Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Great value Suzuki S-Cross looks even better at £187 a month

Our Deal of the Day for Monday 27 November is the Suzuki S-Cross, a rugged and generously specced small SUV
27 Nov 2023