The Government is hiking vehicle tax, with owners of certain cars to be targeted

Major changes to the UK’s vehicle tax system will come into force in just a few weeks’ time, with certain cars to be subject to much higher rates.

Motorists are urged to get their heads around the new laws so they know how much they will be expected to pay.

New rates from April may also affect purchase decisions, particularly around new cars.

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Vehicle tax will double for some new models.

Those being particularly targeted are models with higher emissions, essentially to put people off buying them and consider switching to cleaner or electric models instead.

New petrol and diesel models emitting over 76g/km of CO2 will see their first-year rates double.

For example, owners of brand new cars with 76-90/km will have to shell out £270 – and figures climb much higher for more polluting cars

Vehicle tax is always higher for new cars in their first year on the roads, before dropping to the standard rate of £195 a year.

People considering buying new cars will need to take these added costs into account.

Another major change will see owners of electric vehicles made to pay tax for the first time.

Richard Evans, spokesperson for motoring website webuyanycar said “For vehicles running on diesel or petrol emitting over 76g/km of CO2, the first-year tax will double compared to the current rate.

“Although even electric vehicles aren’t exempt.

“From April 1, 2025, EVs will no longer be exempt from road tax, and their £0 first-year rate will rise to £10 for people buying an EV after April 2025.”