MD,
The Brits have always operated on the premise that no matter what one does in life, be it for necessity or leisure, the crown MUST get paid. Even before the dopey greens had any say the Brits paid through the nose for fuel. (Including heating fuel I might add.) It is an easy target and all sides use it to help pay for their socialist programs because some form of personal transport is always needed.
While the idiots keep voting these rip-off artists into power they'll keep doing what they are doing.
Now the idiots on this side are following along like good little sheeple and risking the same sort of prices here.