Drivers Face £400 Car Tax Rise in April, Older Vehicles Also Affected
Motorists across the United Kingdom have been issued a stark warning about impending Vehicle Excise Duty increases set to take effect in April, with tax bills potentially soaring to £400 for many drivers. The changes will impact a wide range of vehicles, including those registered after 2017 and between 2001 and 2017, with tax rates calculated according to vehicle emission levels.
Older Cars Not Spared from Tax Hikes
Even vehicles registered before 2001, which operate under a different taxation system based on engine size rather than emissions, will see their rates increase. For the 2026/27 tax year, cars with engines up to 1549cc will now pay £230 annually, up from £220, while vehicles over 1549cc will face a £375 yearly charge, increased from £360.
Shahzad Sheikh, founder and presenter of the YouTube channel @BrownCarGuy, highlighted the concerning trend: "Even the oldest cars haven't been left alone. Cars registered before 1 March 2001, which are taxed purely on engine size rather than emissions, have also seen increases."
Electronic System Replaces Traditional Tax Discs
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has transitioned to a fully electronic system for Vehicle Excise Duty management, eliminating the requirement for physical tax discs to be displayed in vehicle windscreens. This digital shift aligns with broader government initiatives to modernize public services through increased digitization.
Law enforcement now relies on an extensive network of Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras, which interface directly with the DVLA database to monitor vehicle tax compliance. These ANPR systems are strategically positioned at roadside locations and within police vehicles, creating a comprehensive surveillance network across roadways.
Growing Concerns About Tax Burden
Sheikh expressed particular concern about the cumulative effect of these increases: "Taken on their own, these numbers don't sound outrageous, but that's not really the point. The point is this, even the simplest, oldest, most blunt version of road tax is being nudged upwards."
He further noted the lack of consideration for older vehicles in the taxation structure: "There is no freeze, there is no recognition that these cars are free in number, no acknowledgement that many of them are barely even used." This sentiment reflects broader frustrations among drivers facing increasing motoring costs without corresponding adjustments for vehicle age or usage patterns.
The approaching April deadline means drivers should prepare for higher Vehicle Excise Duty payments, with some facing bills approaching £400 annually. These changes affect vehicles across multiple registration periods, ensuring that few motorists will escape the increased financial burden of vehicle ownership in the coming tax year.
