Next year is set to become more expensive for motorists – including those who have opted for an electric car – after changes to road tax announced in the budget come into effect.
Ministers have been urged to consider increasing taxes on petrol and diesel cars to reduce the “premium” associated with electric vehicle (EV) purchases.
The UK’s road network faces a significant challenge: a widespread pothole problem. Recent reports from the RAC indicate over 1 million potholes currently plague the nation’s roads, particularly council-controlled routes in England and Wales, where an alarming six potholes are found per mile. This infrastructure issue poses a safety hazard for motorists, cyclists, and motorcyclists, while also incurring significant financial costs.
Classic car enthusiasts are being urged to have their say on preserving iconic vehicles such as James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 and Inspector Morse’s MkII Jaguar for future enjoyment.
James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, commented: “Today’s Spring Budget has not delivered the acceleration needed to stop the UK’s transition to electric vehicles from stalling.
Driverless cars have been described as a “game-changer”, despite MPs expressing concerns on safety and the potential weaponisation of autonomous vehicles.
The UK government has announced its plans to introduce new laws and regulations to allow self-driving vehicles to operate on British roads by 2026. The Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said that the technology has “a huge number of potential uses” and could improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency of transport.
