Yahoo News Drivers caught out by new car tax change as costs rise by up to £140
Hundreds of road users across the UK have admitted that they were unaware that major changes had been made to car tax fees this month - and they affect almost all petrol and diesel drivers. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) increased on April 1 in line with Retail Price Index inflation, and as a result, drivers across the nation are paying more.
Charges increased by around six per cent, with those who hold the keys to the most polluting vehicles paying the most. But a recent Express poll of more than 1,000 respondents highlighted how more than a quarter completely missed the motoring update.
A staggering 28.7 per cent of participants said that they were unaware of new VED charges at the turn of the month. One reader said: "Doesn't it rise every year? I've never known it go down, so even if you weren't aware how much it was rising by you should expect it was rising - and not by an insignificant amount."
Another added: "I knew in January when they emailed me as I pay monthly. It's announced in the yearly budget amongst other things. You can always be sure as a motorist your costs will rise every year."
Motorists who have brand new cars which emit more than 255g/km of CO2 have been hit hardest by the rise, with one year fees increasing from £2,605 to £2,745 - a shocking £140 rise. Standard fees for cars registered after April 2017 are up by £10 per year, but older models are also impacted.
Those who have vehicles which were made between 2001 and 2017 will pay up to £40 more per year, with the highest charges rising from £695 to £735, while classic cars made after '84 will pay up to £20 more dependent on their engine size. The new rates were blasted by road users, many of whom adamant they won't make the move to electric vehicles despite a VED exemption until next year.
One scorned: "Another tax on rural dwellers, who have few buses, no taxis, limited access to trains!" while another raged: "So let’s see, sell my 15-year-old VW Diesel and pay out £400 a month on an EV I have no way of charging at home to save £140 a year. Count me in."
