Motorists Protest New £5,690 Car Tax as 'War on Drivers' Intensifies
Drivers across the UK are expressing fierce opposition to a new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) increase set to take effect in 2026, with many labeling it a 'war on motorists'. The Labour Party government has announced that from April 2026, the maximum first-year VED charge for the highest-emitting new cars will skyrocket to a staggering £5,690.
Details of the VED Increase
The first-year VED scale will range from as little as £10 for the lowest-emitting vehicles up to the hefty £5,690 for those with the highest CO2 emissions. This adjustment applies specifically to new petrol or diesel cars, imposing a significant upfront tax burden on purchasers of high-emission models. The move is part of broader environmental and fiscal policies aimed at reducing carbon footprints, but it has ignited a firestorm of criticism from the driving public.
Outrage from Motorists
One angry driver vented, 'How about taxing ANYONE using the roads - like cyclists, the uninsured, unlicensed, untrained, unregistered etc etc section of the country that constantly blight our roads.' This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with what many perceive as unfair targeting of car owners.
Another critic argued, 'Wake up folks! Britain only accounts for 1% of the world’s carbon emissions. So, even if we wreck the economy, make heating your home a luxury, make freedom of movement impossible for ordinary people and make car ownership off limits due to cost for the people of the UK, we will have not made a dent in global emissions.'
The phrase 'war on motorists' was echoed by another who stated, 'The war on motorists goes on. Easy mobility is the lifeblood of a growing economy but that won’t bother Labour.' This highlights concerns that the tax could hinder economic growth by limiting transportation options.
Mixed Reactions and Silver Linings
Not all responses were purely negative. One motorist offered a different perspective, saying, 'I personally don't like paying large inflated bills for motoring, but if it keeps some riffraff off of the roads, then maybe it has a silver lining. More room to actually drive?' This suggests that some see potential benefits in reduced congestion.
Others pointed out the affordability aspect. A commenter noted, 'If people have enough to pay for these ridiculous 1000hp plus cars, then a few extra grand won't make any difference.' Another agreed, 'If you can afford any of the cars listed, then you can afford the road tax.' These views imply that the tax might primarily affect wealthier individuals who purchase high-performance vehicles.
Criticism of Road Conditions and Tax Allocation
Beyond the tax itself, drivers raised issues about the state of UK infrastructure. One lamented, 'Sadly the UK’s roads are not fit for purpose anymore and the government should be held to account for not delivering the repairs needed while still collecting the tax !!!!!' This underscores a common grievance that taxes are not being reinvested into road maintenance.
Another added, 'Just another way to tax folk, added to which these taxes are not hypothecated for roads but are added to general taxation.' This criticism focuses on the lack of earmarking for specific road improvements, fueling perceptions of misuse of funds.
Political Context and Future Implications
The VED increase is part of ongoing legislative changes under the current government, with one observer warning, 'Rest assured whatever the new government is, there will be no reduction, all current increases by this lot will remain.' This suggests a belief that such tax hikes are likely to persist regardless of political shifts, impacting long-term motoring costs.
As the 2026 implementation date approaches, the debate over this car tax is expected to intensify, with drivers, policymakers, and environmental advocates clashing over its fairness and effectiveness. The outcome could shape future transportation policies and consumer behavior in the automotive sector.
