It’s exciting buying a new car, isn’t it? No matter what kind of shopper you are, be it a value shopper, imager shopper, safety-conscious shopper or methodical shopper, purchasing a new automobile means so much more than just choosing one you think looks good.This is of course important too, as you don’t want to drive around in an ‘ugly’ car, but as more charges continue to come into play on today’s roads, it’s vital that you consider all the options before making your decision.
There are many well-known charges you must deal with, including car insurance and the cost of fuel, but what about charges don’t aren’t as known? Here, with new Skoda dealers, Lookers, we review all you need to be aware of when you own a car.
Ultra-low emission zones
As of 8 April 2019,you are to face a tighter exhaust emission standard (ULEZ standards) if you travel into the centre of London. This simply means your vehicle must meet these standards or face paying a daily charge to travel within that area in order to help improve air quality – one of the most significant issues affecting the health of those living and working in London. If your car, van, or motorbike doesn’t meet the standard, you will have to fork out £12.50 per day when you travel in this area.
This charge is due to take the place of the 2017 T-Chargeand it’ll be in operation at all times, withthe affected area set to expand by 2021. Nearly all petrol vehicles that have been produced since 2005 already meet the ULEZ standards, but it’s certainly worth checking if yours does if you want to avoid any unexpected future fines. Introducing this standard is anticipated by London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, to make London have one of the toughest emission standards in the world.
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Congestion charges
Congestion charges normally occur in a city centre that has heavy levels of traffic. In London, the Congestion Charge is £11.50 per day if you aren’t registered with Auto Pay. This cost is in play between 07:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday. When you add in the ULEZ charge, this can be quite costly!
Durham, in the North East of England, also has a road user charge zone in operation. This was the first of its kind in the UK and, although it’s not quite as extreme as its London equivalent, road users in the North East city must pay £2 if they are travelling in certain zones between 10:00 and 16:00 Monday to Saturday. It’s important to pay this as failure to do so by 18:00 on the day you use the road may result in a £50 penalty charge notice.
Other locations, such as Manchester and Edinburgh, saw the public reject such methods.
Toll roads*
While some are exempt from paying for certain toll roads, it’s important to know which roads carry a cost before you undertake a journey. Here is a list of the UK’s toll roads and bridges and how much they cost (all costs depend on your choice of vehicle):
- M6: £2 – £11.50
- Dartford Crossing: Free – £6
- Severn Bridges M4 and M4 Westbound: £5.60 – £16.70
- Bridges and tunnels on A roads: Free – £8
- Mersey Tunnels – Queensway and Kingsway: £1 – £7.20
- Humber Bridge: Free – £12
- Tyne Tunnels: Free – £3.40
- Tamar Bridge: Free – £16.40
- Dunham Bridge: Free – £1
- Cleddau Bridge: 35p – £1.50
- Itchen Bridge: Free – £25
In some cases, minor roads may also carry a cost to cross.
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Car tax
Your funds may take a hit when it’s time for car tax or road tax. You’ll pay a higher rate depending on your vehicle’s CO2 emissions. If your mobile doesn’t meet the Real Driving Emissions 2 (RDE2) standard for nitrogen oxide emissions, then you’ll pay a higher rate for your diesel car.
Your vehicle can fall into four bands:
- Classic Car Road Tax (vehicles over 40 years old)
- Cars registered before 2001
- Cars registered between 2001 and 2017
- Cars registered after April 2017
It’s a fact that older cars can be cheaper to buy outright, but often their tax costs can cost you a lot more than a new vehicle, so be sure to check before you buy your next car.
So, yes, it’s true that cars are an expensive commodity, but for many of us they’re a necessity. With the likes of carpooling and public transport also being an option, be sure you choose a car that is best-suited to your needs and weigh up all the charges you may be faced with.
*figures collated in August 2018
