New road tax rates for 2009
The government has confirmed that a new 13-band emissions-based system of road tax (vehicle excise duty) will be introduced next April, but increases in the amount motorists pay will be minimal.
Many of the rates of road tax (VED) have now changed, but the increase for any particular car will be limited to £5.
It is a reprieve for the owners of 1.1 million cars bought between 2001 and 2006 who were expecting to see the duty they paid increase by more than £200 a year, from £210 to £430. In 2010, any increase will be limited to £35.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “If we have to have VED at all, it makes far more sense for this type of emissions-based increase to be made gradually.”
The 2.5 percentage point reduction in VAT will have no effect on motorists. Fuel duty has been increased by 2p a litre from Monday.
Road tax 2009
| Band | CO2 emissions | current rate | 2009-10 | 2010-11 ‘first year rate’ for new cars | 2010-11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | up to 100g/km | No charge | No charge | No charge | No charge |
| B | 101-110g/km | £35 | £35 | No charge | £20 |
| C | 111-120g/km | £35 | £35 | No charge | £30 |
| D | 121-130g/km | £120 | £120 | No charge | £90 |
| E | 131g-140g/km | £120 | £120 | £110 | £110 |
| F | 141-150g/km | £120 | £125 | £125 | £125 |
| G | 151-160g/km | £145 | £150 | £155 | £155 |
| H | 161-170g/km | £170 | £175 | £250 | £180 |
| I | 171-180g/km | £170 | £175 | £300 | £200 |
| J | 181-200g/km | £210 | £215 | £425 | £325 |
| K | 201-225g/km | £210 | £215 | £550 | £245 |
| L | 226-255g/km | £400 | £405 | £750 | £425 |
| M | over 255g/km | £400 | £405 | £950 | £435 |
Not sure how much CO2 your car emits? Find out here
Please note: The rates above apply to cars registered after 1st March 2001. The rates that apply to vehicles registered before this date relate only to engine size. Cars with engines not over 1549cc will from 2009 pay £125 a year, cars with engines larger than this will pay £190 a year.
The ‘first year rate’ quoted above is the road tax you would pay for the first year you owned a brand new car. The amount you pay in the second year reverts to the regular rate for that particular vehicle.
Related articles:
Backdating VED is a bad policy
How would a carbon tax work?
What is road user charging?
Green breakdown cover
The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.





