How to Overcome the Latest Road Tax Increase

Why is road tax increasing?

There�s been some changes in assessing how eco-efficient vehicles are and subsequently how much road tax the owner is due to pay. From 1st April, a more accurate way of testing vehicle CO2 emissions will be introduced for all new vehicles. The previous testing procedure known as NEDC, was developed in the 1990s and is now outdated. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) is a new measuring process for determining a vehicle�s official fuel consumption, range and CO2 emissions. WLTP has been designed to better reflect real driving conditions, to give a more accurate view of a vehicle�s emissions and fuel economy.

How does this affect your road tax?

The new WLTP testing procedure has been designed to better reflect real driving conditions, to give a more accurate view of a vehicle�s emissions and fuel economy. This change takes effect from 1st April for VED (Vehicle Excise Duty or Road Tax) and 6th April for Benefit in Kind on Company Car Tax. Because the WLTP test is more stringent, the results are more realistic and this could mean an increase in road tax for your new car.

How can I avoid the latest tax increase?

Purchase a new vehicle before the April 2020 road tax increase and save yourself a significant sum on the first year of Vehicle Excise Duty. If you're considering buying a new Mercedes-Benz, doing so before 1st April could save you up to £960.