Following further defeats for the Government in the High Court in November, plans to charge drivers of diesel vehicles entering major cities and towns across the UK are coming to the fore. Evidence indicates that 50,000 early deaths a year are caused by diesel pollutants in densely populated areas, and the ruling ensures that measures will now be taken to combat this issue.
Unfortunately for diesel vehicle owners, legislators are now considering a so-called ‘Toxin Tax’ to help combat the exceedingly high levels of pollution in over 30 cities and towns across the UK.
The ‘Toxin Tax’ Explained
The high concentration of diesel vehicles in our cities and towns is creating a cesspit of pollutants. Although in 2001 diesel was considered a safe engine choice, evidence now strongly indicates otherwise, with an average of 2.7kg of CO2 emitted for every litre of diesel consumed in addition to a substantial amount of dangerous nitrogen oxides.
The ‘Toxin Tax’ is designed to deter drivers of diesel vehicles away from cities and towns that are particularly at risk of sustained and concentrated air pollution. A daily £20 charge is being floated by legislators currently.
Cities and towns being considered for the ‘Toxin Tax’ include, but are not limited to:
– London
– Birmingham
– Nottingham
– Carlisle
– Manchester
– Liverpool
– Leeds
– Middlesbrough
– Norwich
– Brighton
If drivers don’t take their vehicle into the city or town, they won’t incur the charge, but those who simply have to drive their diesel vehicle into the urban area will see their vehicle costs skyrocket. In the ten most highly congested cities, diesel vehicles might even be banned altogether.
It is believed that there are around 10 million vehicles that would be affected by the ‘Toxin Tax’. More recent diesel engines in vehicles registered since 2015 are cleaner than their predecessors, and as such they may avoid some of the charges, but older vehicles will see heavier charges.
To Sell or Not to Sell
You might well think that it’s worth selling your diesel vehicle now before the legislation comes into effect. This may prove the wisest choice, as it is estimated that diesel vehicles could now shed up to 40% of their value. On average, that’s a loss of £3,000 on used diesel motors up and down the country, though many drivers may find it difficult or impossible to sell at all.
Campaigners and ministers are currently postulating a diesel scrappage scheme to counteract this, but we will have to wait and see whether this bears any fruit.
Further Charges for London
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also announced recently that as of the October half-term this year a ‘T-charge’ would come into effect. In essence, this is the same as the ‘Toxin Tax’, but it is exclusive to London and its particular problem with pollution.
Drivers of diesel vehicles entering the congestion charge zone (and at the same times as the congestion charge period) from October will face a £10 additional charge. Also known as the ‘Emissions Surcharge’, it is hoped that this will help to massively reduce the level of pollutants in London.
In addition, the Mayor announced in April that there would also be a £12.50 fine for drivers of high pollution vehicles entering any part of Greater London, so drivers would be charged even outside of the congestion zone.
Maintain Your Diesel Engine to Limit Pollution
If you’re the driver of a diesel vehicle, you’ll know just how important it is to properly maintain your vehicle at all times to ensure it doesn’t cause excessive pollution, most notably because you’d fail your MOT if it did excessively pollute.
At Universal Tyres, we have over 90 years of experience in the motoring industry, meaning we are fully capable of maintaining and servicing your diesel engine to ensure its emissions are kept within a reasonable limit.
If you’re worried that your diesel vehicle’s exhaust system is underperforming, don’t sit on it and hope the issue will go away – simply contact our friendly team today to book your vehicle in with one of our professional mechanics.