OPEN LETTER SETS OUT YOUR MOTORING DEMANDS AHEAD OF THE BUDGET

DON'T HAMMER WORKING PEOPLE THROUGH MOTORING TAX HIKES, LABOUR WARNED AHEAD OF 2024 AUTUMN BUDGET STATEMENT

- Chris Rosamond

WITH the Government's first major budget two weeks away, we've written to Chancellor Rachel Reeves on behalf of Auto Express readers and drivers everywhere, demanding that key motoring priorities are addressed in future spending plans. We've also pointed out the likelihood of Labour being punished in future polls if the Government attempts to excuse hikes in fuel duty or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED/road tax) by citing unpopular and unrealistic green targets, or justifies rises as levers pushing drivers towards EVs.

Instead, the Chancellor should be looking to increase the £40,000 threshold for the £410 'expensive car' road tax supplement, which threatens to significantly impact the cost of motoring for new and used EV car buyers from April 2025.

Auto Express readers shared their views in a recent survey, when we asked about their budget priorities.

Readers told us their three biggest priorities for the Government to address are pothole repairs and new road projects, high fuel prices, and car crime and roads policing - these are immediate, tangible concerns that should be dominating the Government's agenda in respect of motorists. Environmental goals, such as moving toward net zero emissions, remain a lower priority for drivers in the context of budgetary concerns.