Car tax fines rise by £4million after cost increases with 700,000 affected
Car tax fines are up by a staggering £4.5million since price rises were introduced earlier this year, according to new data identified by Wagonex.
The extra money was generated from punishing those who didn’t pay their annual Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
Back in April, the Government increased VED rates by £15 which saw annual charges rise to £180 per annum.
However, the rise in fees may have led to more motorists running the gamble of not staying road-legal.
Data revealed through a Freedom of Information request showed £74million in fines have been issued since the VED rise on almost 700,000 vehicles.
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Over the six months following the price rise, 15,000 extra drivers were issued fines with an extra £4.5million generated than in the previous half a year.
On average, drivers had to pay around £570 each as punishment for breaking the simple road law.
Wagonex founder and CEO Toby Kernon said: “With so many things available at the touch of a button these days, and costs across the board rising, it’s easy to put off the dreaded admin tasks that come with owning or financing a car.
“The reality is that while sometimes time-consuming, this admin is a legal necessity, and those who do miss their car tax renewal could be risking a fine of up to £1,000.
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“You can easily check if your vehicle is taxed on the GOV.UK website by inputting your vehicle registration number – you can also renew online.
“If you are unable to pay your VED tax, you will receive an email from the DVLA, and they will attempt to take the money you owe within four days. If this fails again, your car will no longer be taxed and could receive a fine.”
According to the new data, the just month for tax fines was May 2023, directly after the price increase.
Over the course of the month a massive £14million in fines were dished out to around 132,000 road users.
A previous Wagonex survey found that one in 10 UK drivers find car tax a “hassle” to sort out.
Meanwhile, a whopping nine percent admitted they had been without valid car tax in the past.
Mr Kernon added: “Ensuring your car is fully up to date with tax payments is crucial – it is a legal requirement, and it helps fund road maintenance, research, and public transport, including road works and maintenance. However, with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, it’s becoming more of a concern that drivers are missing these payments, often without even realising.”
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