Today, you were going to find some tips on how to deal with rush hour driving as we move ever closer to the Christmas shopping season. However, a headline caught our eye today that needs to be addressed!
For those of you who are still in the process of learning to drive, you might not be aware of how taxing your car works or, indeed what it even is. Car tax is something every legal driver has to pay in order to use the roads in the UK. The reason for this is so the Government can keep all types of roads, both minor and major in good condition so they’re safe to use.
However, don’t get too excited about the title to this article because we’re not about to tell you the Government has decided to abolish car tax! Instead, Mr. George Osbourne will announce in his autumn statement that drivers will no longer have to display a tax disc in their vehicle.
How to Tax Your Vehicle Currently
You can apply for your tax disc online and this is done using the DVLA website. If you’re applying for the first time, or you want to renew there are a few requirements which you will find below:
- You must be able to prove you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle being taxed.
- The DVLA must have your current address, correct name and vehicle details.
- If applying for a renewal you can apply using the V11, V85/1 or V5C certificate.
- You must be able to prove you have insurance on your vehicle.
- Finally, your vehicle (if needed) must have a current MOT.
It’s actually very easy to apply because all you need to do is follow the on-screen instructions. Paying is also very simple by using a debit or credit card. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can still apply via post at your local post-office but this is where things are about to change.
What the Government Intends to Do
Once the autumn statement has been disclosed to the public it will include the fact that you will no longer have to display a tax disc in your car. Instead, you will have to register and pay for your tax online. This will then go into a central database and every single vehicle that passes through various road traffic cameras will be automatically checked to ensure it’s taxed.
Police officers on the beat will still play a part in making sure this tax is paid but instead of checking a disc, they will run the registration through a central database.
Is This a Good Idea?
On first glance, it’s hard to imagine that policing such a radical change in the way road tax is paid will be easier to do however the Government has announced this will save businesses across the UK about £7 million in administration costs.
Will it work? Who knows, but all we can say right now is keep an eye out for these changes should they be implemented.
