Campaigners urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to cut vehicle tax for cars aged 20 to 39 years have passed a key milestone, with over 53,000 people signing a petition that now stands halfway to triggering a parliamentary debate.
The petition calls for a 50% reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for what they term "Young-Timer" vehicles — those between 20 and 39 years old. Currently, some owners face annual charges of up to £790, a sum that campaigners argue forces the premature scrapping of otherwise roadworthy cars. With just 12 days left to sign, the petition has reignited debate over tax policy and environmental trade-offs.
Petition argues scrapping functional cars is wasteful
The petition states: "Introduce a 50% VED reduction for cars aged 20–39. High taxes force functional vehicles to be scrapped, creating a 'disposable' culture. Keeping existing cars is greener than building new ones, as it preserves embedded carbon. This 'Young-Timer' bracket supports the circular economy and UK heritage."
It adds: "Manufacturing a new car creates massive carbon debt. We must move from a 'disposable' car culture to a circular economy. Keeping a functional 20-year-old car on the road is often greener than building a new one, as it preserves the embedded carbon already spent. Current VED rates force many well-maintained cars to be scrapped prematurely."
Supporters argue that a 50% discount would encourage repair and maintenance, support the UK's heritage vehicle industry, and reflect the typically low annual mileage of modern classic cars.
Government response defends current VED structure
A previous Labour government response — issued before Mr Burnham became prime minister — outlined the rationale behind existing VED bands. It explained that VED is a tax on vehicles used or kept on public roads, with rates varying by date of first registration, weight, or CO2 emissions.
"Cars registered before 1 March 2001 pay VED annually based on engine size. Since 2001, the tax system has encouraged the uptake of cars with low carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to help meet the UK's legally binding climate targets," the response said.
For cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017, VED is based on CO2 emissions. A reformed system introduced in April 2017 applies only to new cars, leaving existing cars unaffected.
The response also cited Department for Transport lifecycle analysis showing that manufacturing emissions for a medium petrol or diesel car account for less than 20% of lifetime emissions under 2020-2030 scenarios. It noted that from April 2026, vehicles constructed before January 1986 will become exempt from VED under a rolling 40-year exemption policy first announced in 2014.
Revenue from motoring taxes funds roads and services
"Revenue from motoring taxes helps ensure we can continue to fund the vital public services and infrastructure that people and families across the UK expect," the government response stated. By 2029/30, the government plans to commit over £2 billion annually for local authorities to repair roads and fix potholes — doubling funding since taking office.
That funding would enable the government to exceed its manifesto commitment to fix an additional 1 million potholes per year by the end of the Parliament.
While acknowledging the petition, the government said: "There are no current plans to reduce VED for cars aged 20 to 39 years, but the Government keeps all taxes under review, and the Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events."
Campaigners have 12 days to push for Commons debate
With 53,000 signatures already secured, the petition needs to reach 100,000 to be considered for a debate in the House of Commons. The 12-day window gives supporters a final push to gather the remaining signatures. If successful, it would force MPs to discuss whether the current VED regime should be adjusted to prevent the scrapping of older, well-maintained vehicles.
The outcome remains uncertain, but the campaign has already drawn public attention to the environmental argument that preserving existing cars can be more sustainable than building new ones, challenging the assumption that newer always means greener.
