Each year, the government announces new rules and regulations to make the UK roads safer and better. Here’s everything you need to know about changes taking place in 2023, including the expansion of ULEZ, changes to fuel duty and the new number plates.
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to expand from 29 August 2023
ULEZ is set to expand again for the third time from 29 August 2023 onwards. ULEZ, which currently covers parts of Central London, will soon apply to all 33 boroughs in London.
Thousands of drivers will be affected by this change. Commuters who drive a car that doesn’t meet the zone’s emission standards will face a charge of £12.50 each time they pass through ULEZ. According to the Mayor of London, this change will improve London’s poor air quality. It also aims to encourage people to switch to a greener car or use public transportation.
Thousands of drivers will be affected by this change. Commuters who drive a car that doesn’t meet the zone’s emission standards will face a charge of £12.50 each time they pass through ULEZ. According to the Mayor of London, this change will improve London’s poor air quality. It also aims to encourage people to switch to a greener car or use public transportation.
Scotland’s ban on parking on pavements may come into effect from 2023
In 2019, Scotland introduced a ban on parking on pavements and dropped kerbs in the Transport Act. This ban was announced to make the Scottish roads more accessible.
This rule is yet to be implemented though, as it faced delays due to the pandemic. In 2021, the then Transport secretary Michael Matheson said that the ban will not be enforced before 2023 as there were various assessments that needed to be completed before they implemented the ban. The government has received a lot of complaints because of the delay. In recent news, there have been talks about implementing this ban by December 2023, but only time will tell when the ban will become official.
This rule is yet to be implemented though, as it faced delays due to the pandemic. In 2021, the then Transport secretary Michael Matheson said that the ban will not be enforced before 2023 as there were various assessments that needed to be completed before they implemented the ban. The government has received a lot of complaints because of the delay. In recent news, there have been talks about implementing this ban by December 2023, but only time will tell when the ban will become official.
Electric car owners can enjoy 0% Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) until 2025
From April 2025, electric vehicles registered from 1 April 2017 onwards will have to start paying VED.
Electric vehicles registered after April 2025 will remain in the lowest tax bracket for the first year – paying only £10 - and then move up to the standard rate, which is currently £165. Electric cars above £40,000 will also incur the additional £355 charge which they were previously exempt from. This does, however, mean that electric car owners will continue to enjoy 0% VED for the next two years while diesel and petrol car owners will pay the minimum flat rate of £165 at least.
Electric vehicles registered after April 2025 will remain in the lowest tax bracket for the first year – paying only £10 - and then move up to the standard rate, which is currently £165. Electric cars above £40,000 will also incur the additional £355 charge which they were previously exempt from. This does, however, mean that electric car owners will continue to enjoy 0% VED for the next two years while diesel and petrol car owners will pay the minimum flat rate of £165 at least.