UK drivers issued urgent warning over huge £2,745 tax hike in April
UK drivers have been warned to brace for a high increase in their bills. From April 1, motorists will face a number of tax changes which were announced as part of the Labour Government's first budget.
It means that many drivers could be forced to pay more than usual. According to the vehicle buying service webuyanycar, some drivers are completely unaware of the approaching changes.
They said: "New data has revealed that 70 per cent of drivers aren’t aware of new driving laws being introduced in 2025. Just 25 per cent of drivers anticipate changes and updates regarding electric vehicle (EV) regulations, such as road tax changes and charging compared to 75 per cent who aren’t anticipating any changes."
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A significant tax rise due to come into effect within months is the sharp increase in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charged on new models, Express reports. In some cases, the amount of tax new car buyers will have to pay has doubled.
This is in a bid to encourage drivers to choose more environmentally friendly models. Cars set to be the worst affected by the change will be models producing more than 255g/km of carbon dioxide.
Buyers facing a huge tax bill of £5,490 - a rise of £2,745. But drivers do not need to buy a new car in order to experience a tax rise as the charge is set to jump in line with the current rate of inflation.
Currently, drivers who own a car that was registered since 2017 have to pay a flat fee of £190 per year. But this is due to rise by £5 to £195 from April 1.
Electric car owners will also need to pay the same amount for their road tax for the first time as the incentive to encourage more buyers to choose zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) ends. Millions of drivers are set to pay significantly more just to drive from April 1.
But there are ways you could avoid the tax rises. Disabled motorists or passengers using a vehicle for their independence can get a tax exemption by applying for a Blue Badge.
This will also allow you to park in disabled spaces. Classic cars registered before January 1 1985 and vehicles used for agriculture or forestry are also exempt from paying road tax.