3 days Ago By Luke Chillingsworth
Motorists will be hit by five new driving laws this April, with car tax updates and new tariffs among the widespread updates. Charges at two London tunnels will also be introduced within days as the Silvertown Tunnel finally opens its doors. Meanwhile, tougher DVSA driving test rules will come into effect while new information about car finance compensation is expected.
Most of the updates cover the early part of April, with plenty of changes over the next week. Express.co.
uk take a look at the biggest updates facing road users in the coming days. Petrol, diesel and electric car owners will notice higher Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) car tax bills this April. Standard VED rates will rise from £190 to £195 for most vehicles although there are some who will be harder hit.
First-year rates are set to double, and owners of highly polluting models emitting over 255g/km of CO2 are set to pay £2,745 more in year one. Electric car owners will also face charges for the first time, although there are concerns that many could face hefty charges. Electric car owners are subjected to Expensive Car Supplement (EVCS) charges the same as petrol and diesel vehicles.
The extra £425 charge is applied to cars valued at over £40,000. Last week, U.S.
President Donald Trump confirmed countries would pay a 25% import tax on cars. The news was met with concern by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders |(SMMT) who branded the move "disappointing". The tariffs will be applied to manufacturers selling vehicles in the United States and could lead to a drop in sales abroad.
This runs the risk of backfiring on brands with many predicting that consumers will pay higher charges to maintain revenues. Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has previously warned a Supreme Court ruling in early April could be crucial for those looking for car finance compensation. The Court of Appeal previously ruled that car finance agreements would be unlawful if they didn't tell consumers all the details of any commission fees.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal on the issue which could set the blueprint for how compensation could be paid. Martin Lewis previously said: "If the Supreme Court upholds the Court of Appeal ruling, then the FCA would set up a redress scheme for all car finance (well the 99 per cent affected by this).” London’s new Silvertown Tunnel is set to open on April 7 meaning new charges will hit drivers trying to cross the River Thames.
TfL has confirmed that the nearby Blackwall Tunnel will start charging when the Silvertown Tunnel opens in a blow to commuters and residents. Car owners will pay £4 to use the two tunnels at peak times meaning a return trip will set road users back £8 over several hours Monday to Friday. Large vans will pay £6.
50 for a single crossing with Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) paying up to £10 every time. The DVSA is set to toughen up the rules around driving test cancellations in a bid to cut the waiting list for exams. From next week, motorists will be required to give at least 10 full working days’ notice to change or cancel their car driving test without losing their fee.
This is up on the current three-day window learner drivers are only required to follow..
