The Tories will this week unveil radical proposals for a series of new environmental taxes intended to curb air travel, prompting criticism that they will alienate voters who enjoy the benefits of cheap flights.
The Conservatives hope the measures, to be set out by shadow chancellor George Osborne, will help to secure the party's green credentials.
Measures under consideration include levying VAT or fuel duty or both on domestic flights, and scrapping air passenger duty and replacing it with a new "per flight" tax based more closely on a flight's carbon emissions.
Osborne insisted yesterday that the proposals were not intended to hit people enjoying their annual holiday abroad, but would be targeted on "frequent fliers".
But with increasing numbers of people taking multiple overseas breaks a year, the plan is likely to become an acid test of the public's willingness to back Tory leader David Cameron in his determination to tackle climate change.
The Conservatives said the measures, leaked to a number of newspapers, would replace existing taxes and would not increase the overall tax burden.
In the foreword to the consultation paper, entitled Greener Skies, Osborne argues that the existing system of aviation taxation in the UK is "fundamentally flawed".
"I do not agree with those who argue that we need to stop flying altogether if we are to tackle climate change," he says.
"However, I believe the case for acting now to reduce the future growth in greenhouse gas emissions from aviation is compelling.
"In particular, air passenger duty is not directly linked to carbon emissions and provides no incentives for airlines to use more fuel-efficient aircraft.
"I want to consult with the industry, with environmental groups, and with the public in order to create a sustainable regime of aviation taxation that has broad support."
Airlines criticised the Tories' plans, saying they had already been proven not to work in cutting greenhouse gas emissions and would also harm the UK's economy.
Paul Charles of Virgin Atlantic said: "Taxing passengers more would damage the UK economy, as it would make UK airlines less competitive and shift jobs to other countries in Europe, which will have more attractive airports for passengers to fly to and from."
The Conservative plans come as new research shows just how strong public opposition is to additional airline taxes. An ICM poll published today found 58% of voters thought there were already enough extra taxes on the airlines, with just two in five saying it was a good idea.
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