Drivers across the UK face a series of new rules and changes from September 1, 2026, during Andy Burnham's second full month as Labour Party Prime Minister. The updates affect company car drivers, motorists using the Silvertown Tunnel, and Motability Scheme customers in Scotland, alongside the introduction of the new "76" number plate.
New 76 number plates arrive from September 1
The "76" plate officially comes into effect on 1 September 2026. All newly registered vehicles from that date until the end of February 2027 will carry the 76 registration. This follows the UK's twice-yearly number plate change, which occurs every March and September. Drivers who registered a new car between March and the end of August 2026 would have received a "26" plate.
The 76 plate rollout continues the pattern established earlier this year, when the "26" plate was introduced in March.
Advisory fuel rates updated from September 1
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) updates its advisory fuel rates for company cars quarterly, with new rates taking effect from September 1. These rates are designed to guide businesses on how much they can reimburse employees for fuel used during business travel in company cars, or how much employees should repay for private mileage.
HMRC confirms that if the correct rates are used, no taxable profit arises and no Class 1A National Insurance needs to be paid. Keeping up to date with these rates helps businesses avoid complex tax implications, according to the tax authority.
Silvertown Tunnel charges rise from September 21
Motorists using the Silvertown Tunnel under the Thames between Silvertown and the Greenwich Peninsula will see daily costs increase from September 21, 2026. Off-peak charges for cars and small vans will rise from £1.50 to £1.55, while peak and online charges will increase from £4 to £4.20.
The tunnel, a key route connecting the two areas, will see these updated fees applied to all users from that date.
Motability Scheme changes for Scottish customers
From 1 September 2026, changes to new Motability Scheme leases will take effect for customers who receive their allowance from Social Security Scotland. Motability Operations said: "We had to make these changes to the Scheme in response to tax changes introduced by the UK Government in the 2025 Autumn Budget. These changes came into effect for customers in the rest of the UK on 1 July 2026."
The Motability Scheme operates under a separate agreement in Scotland, called the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme (AVES). Customers receiving their allowance from Social Security Scotland were contacted in June 2026 to explain that these changes would not apply while discussions with the Scottish Government continued.
Those discussions have now concluded, and the scheme changes will take effect for customers receiving a Scottish allowance from Tuesday 1 September 2026. The changes were originally announced by former Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves last year, and were introduced for the rest of the UK in July.
