New car tax changes set to impact petrol and diesel owners have been described as a “dirty trick” and an “attack on the poor” by angry motorists.
Express.co.uk readers hit back as it emerged owners of older vehicles will be affected by Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rises from the Spring.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) confirmed VED fees would increase in line with Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation from 1 April 2024.
According to finance experts at Pete Barden, costs will likely rise by around six percent across the board.
Those with vehicles registered before 1 March 2001 are in the firing line with two different price rises depending on the type of vehicle owned.
Models with an engine capacity of over 1,549cc should pay £345 a year compared to just £325 12 months ago.
At the same time, those with an engine below 1,549cc are expected to pay £10 more with costs jumping from £200 to £210.
However, frustrated road users attacked Rishi Sunak over the decision to penalise motorists with less expensive cars.
@Islands commented: “There really is no common sense in government is there?
“Old cars are owned by people who cannot afford posh new ones, they don’t have them because they want to pollute, they have them because they are all they can afford. This is nothing but an attack on the poor by an heartless government!”
@Roger08 commented: “I drive a 24-year-old car that I’ve owned and maintained for 22 years. I drive less than 1,000 miles a year.
“Now tell me who has caused more damage to the environment. Me or someone who has owned 12 cars in the time I’ve owned one and drives as much in one year as I have in 12. And who do they choose to hammer.”
@Far Far Away wrote: “So, haven’t they worked it out yet? Those that can least afford a new car are penalised.
“Those that change every two years are not. So those that use up resources and emit COs the most get less tax than those that keep it running as long as possible.”
@darlor replied: “What will Government tax when millions can’t afford or give up their car, it’s coming and not too far away.”
Electric cars are still exempt from paying VED rates in 2024 but will be issued charges from next year. But, the costs for zero-emissions vehicles are expected to be minimal from 2025 with VED rates usually calculated based on a car’s overall emissions.
@pablo53 said: “This is simply the government putting more pressure on to get motorists to either buy electric rubbish or just empty the roads of motorists, it’s a dirty diabolical trick.”
@fransam11 reacted: “The sneaky, almost bullying, tactics to force us into EV continues. No surprise. But very shortsighted.”
Some were also called out the Government for not using the money to do more to improve the standard of roads in the UK.
@katsura74 said: “All the money we pay for road tax, plus the two taxes on fuel, when will they start repairing our roads.”
