Car Tax to Increase

Motorists should soon be able to pay for six months’ road tax, but vehicle duty rates are planned to rise by 10 per cent across most categories from April 2023.

Electric vehicles will also be charged £65 a year, if Tynwald approves the move.

The change is included within the Vehicle Duty Order 2022 and, approval pending, will see the amount people pay for road tax rise for the first time since April 2020 as well as the introduction of fees for electric vehicle owners.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas said: ‘The new Order contains changes designed to modernise the way vehicle duty is collected and, most importantly, ensure the correct amount is raised to maintain and improve the Island’s highway network.

‘Valuable engagement has taken place in preparing the Order and to raise fees across every category. I’m sure six-month payments will be welcomed by many in the Island, and the team is now working towards introducing direct debits as an additional payment option. While fees are being introduced for electric vehicles, it is important to highlight the department’s commitment to restricting the registration of higher polluting cars and vans through separate legislation that will be brought forward in line with powers included in the Climate Change Act.’

Income generated through vehicle duty is spent on maintaining and improving the island’s highways (I’m saying nothing).

The six-month payment option is open to all categories and will require motorists to pay generally half the full year’s fee plus £6.