Drivers are being warned to be aware of a number of changes coming into effect this month. Several changes to motoring laws and regulations are coming into force in April, with some already in effect, and are likely to affect millions of motorists across the UK.
Hull Live reports that the changes coming include a rise in car tax and a clampdown on council fines. It comes as many household bills have increased in April despite millions struggling with the cost of living crisis. You can read our full breakdown of the different cost increases including energy, broadband, and more here.
Here are all the changes in April if you're a motorist. You can read the new pension rates here and sign up for our twice-weekly money newsletter bringing you all the latest news and tips here.
Read more: DWP announces date millions will start receiving £301 cost of living payment
Car tax rise
The car tax rate, also known as vehicle excise duty, has gone up for most vehicles other than electric vehicles from April 1. Car tax is paid every year and is a legal requirement for all vehicles registered in the UK. The exception is electric vehicles, which won’t need to be taxed until 2025. How much you have to pay depends on when your car was registered and how much carbon dioxide emissions it produces.
Charges will escalate for new petrol and diesel vehicles registered after that date with motorists having to pay £30 instead of £25. Those in the over 255 CO2 band – those which are the most polluting on the road – will now have to pay £2,605, which is £240 higher than the previous year.
The band M, which includes the most polluting vehicles, holds the highest rate for cars registered between March 2001 and April 2017. In the previous year drivers of these cars paid either £630 or £661.50 in 12 monthly instalments. However, this has now increased to £695 and £729.75 respectively. Drivers who are unsure about their tax rate can check here to determine the cost.
Increased council powers to fine
Many councils in the UK now have increased powers as of April 1 to fine motorists for "moving traffic offences” which include stopping in a yellow box junction, driving in a bus lane, making an illegal U-turn, and going the wrong way down a one-way street. From May 31 last year all local authorities in England and Wales were able to apply for the power to fine motorists, from £20 for lower-level fines paid promptly, up to £105 for late payment of more serious transgressions such as parking on a cycle path.
Before the change councils in London and Cardiff could already enforce these contraventions but in other areas only police could do so. Some UK authorities such as Reading, Hampshire, and Kent are introducing their enforcement changes from this spring and while authorities in Wales have yet to join Cardiff this is a possibility in the coming months. You can find out more here.
READ NEXT:
Cheapest SIM deals this April 2023 to avoid major mobile phone price hikes
- Work starts on 'town centre' site that's stood empty for years with its own roundabout to nowhere
- The schools and public buildings across Cardiff that contain asbestos
- The latest people and businesses caught evading tax in Wales
- Neighbours face being taken to court by council over height of their fences
- Surgeon sacked for bullying and harassment now working at another hospital
