Massive Petition Demands Halving of Vehicle Tax for Older Cars
A significant grassroots movement has emerged, with 35,000 drivers rallying behind a petition that demands a substantial reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty for specific age groups of automobiles. The petition, formally titled "Reduce Vehicle Excise Duty by 50% for vehicles aged 20 to 39 years," has gained rapid traction and is now awaiting an official government response.
Environmental and Economic Arguments for the Tax Cut
The petition directly addresses the Labour Party government, urging the introduction of a 50% VED reduction for cars in the 20 to 39-year age bracket. Proponents argue that current high tax rates are forcing many functional, well-maintained vehicles to be scrapped prematurely, thereby fostering a wasteful "disposable" car culture.
Central to their case is the environmental benefit. The petition emphasizes that manufacturing a new car incurs a massive carbon debt, and keeping an existing, functional 20-year-old car on the road is often greener than producing a new one. This approach preserves the embedded carbon already expended in the vehicle's creation, aligning with principles of a circular economy.
Furthermore, supporters highlight that this proposed "Young-Timer" tax bracket would bolster the UK's heritage industry by encouraging the repair and maintenance of classic and modern classic vehicles, which typically see lower annual mileage.
Current Petition Status and Government Process
At the time of reporting, the petition has amassed 34,988 signatures. For any petition to be considered for a debate in Parliament, it must reach 100,000 signatures. The government is obligated to respond to all petitions that exceed 10,000 signatures, and this particular appeal is currently in a 4-day waiting period for that official response.
Understanding Current and Future VED Rates
According to motoring organization the RAC, while the official car tax rates for April 2026 onwards have not yet been released, expectations are that the cost of VED in 2026 will rise. For most drivers of newer cars, the rate is anticipated to be approximately £200, up from the current £195, with increases tied to the Retail Price Index.
The RAC also clarified additional charges. Vehicles that had an original list price exceeding £40,000 when first sold, or £50,000 for electric cars, are subject to an extra "luxury car tax" fee of £425 annually. This surcharge can bring the total annual VED cost for such vehicles up to £620.
It is important to note that the exact VED fee for any individual car depends on several factors, including the year it was first registered, its fuel type, and its tailpipe emissions, with different rules applying to vehicles first used before 2017.
