The new rules will see millions of drivers have to pay more in car tax, with those affected including owners of new cars less than a year old
Car owners are bracing for a significant hike in vehicle tax, as sweeping reforms slated for April will hit millions of motorists’ pockets.
Particularly vulnerable are those with brand new motors less than 12 months old – they’ll be hit with heftier charges relative to their car’s emissions. It may well be a wake-up call to anyone mulling over a new purchase.
Vehicle tax is always higher for new cars in their first year on the roads, before dropping to the standard rate of £195 a year. But come April, brace yourself for another rise.
Considering a new set of wheels? Take a pause and check its emissions – anything over 76g/km of CO2 is set to see first-year duties double, reports Birmingham Live.
It’s part of efforts to persuade more drivers to switch to cleaner cars. As well as new cars, owners of electric vehicles will also have to pay tax for the first time from April.
Richard Evans, spokesperson for motoring website webuyanycar said “For vehicles running on diesel or petrol emitting over 76g/km of CO2, the first-year tax will double compared to the current rate.
“Although even electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t exempt. From April 1, 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax, and their £0 first-year rate will rise to £10 for people buying an EV after April 2025.”
