The hike comes during a cost of living crisis and after London drivers had to face the expansion of ULEZ last year.

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The DVLA has confirmed that the rates of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called road tax, will rise from April 1.

This will see payments for most drivers increase by the RPI rate of inflation – likely around 6 per cent.

VED is a tax levied on every vehicle using public roads in the UK and the rate is set to increase in line with inflation.

Tax expert Andy Wood, of Tax Natives, told the Express has provided a breakdown of what the extra costs might look like.

Andy said: “For cars registered before March 1, 2001, tax rules differ significantly. Instead of CO2 emissions, taxation is based solely on engine size.

“Vehicles with engines under 1.5 litres (specifically ‘not over 1549cc’) incur an annual tax of £200, while larger engines are taxed at £325.

“Verifying engine specifications when considering older vehicles is essential, as rates may vary. These rates are subject to potential increases, likely from April 2024.

He also told The Sun: “Individuals relying on traditional fuel types may need to allocate additional funds to their vehicle taxes, potentially amounting to hundreds of pounds.

“Vehicle taxation costs vary based on age and environmental impact.”

Some experts think the charges will rise by six per cent overall.

HMRC has previously confirmed the rates are increasing to make sure the levies remain the same in real terms.

The UK operates three systems of VED, depending on when your vehicle was registered.

The newest, introduced in 2017, is itself split into two rates – one for your first year on the road based on emissions and then a second for after the first year based on the cost of the car.

Andy explained that cars registered after April of that year will face a £10 increase in their first-year payments at the lowest emissions range.

More polluting models could see the first-year rate rise up to £2,745 – an increase of £140 on last year.

For cars registered before March 1, 2001, tax rules differ significantly. Instead of CO2 emissions, taxation is based solely on engine size

Andy Wood

The second rate is set to remain the same, with a flat rate of £190 (or £180 for “alternative fuel vehicles”).

However, the additional Expensive Car Supplement, paid for five years on cars worth over £40,000, is rising from £390 to £410.

Motors registered between 2001 and 2017 are taxed based purely on emissions.

From April, the most polluting cars will see their rate rise from £695 to £735, while lower bands could see a spike of between £20 and £35.

Then, for cars registered before 2001, the tax is based on engine size.

Cars under 1549cc will now be charged a flat rate of £200, while larger engines will incur a £325 payment.

Fortunately, there are five key exemptions which could see thousands of Brits pay no tax at all.

However, on the subject of loopholes, a very important one is set to run out soon.

From April 1 2025, EVs from after 2017 will be required to pay VED at the same rate as the lowest band petrol or diesel models in the first year and then the standard rate from there on.

They will also be subject to the £410 Expensive Car Supplement if registered after that date and worth over £40,000.

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