Autumn Budget 2024: Key Insights for Road Users & Vehicle Owners

November 14, 2024

Recent updates from the Autumn Budget 2024, promises both opportunities and challenges for UK road users.

Here’s a breakdown of the key updates and how Tivoli Auto Services in St Leonards can help keep your vehicle in prime condition.

Fuel Duty Remains Steady – No Increase Until 2025

Fuel duty has long been a point of concern for British drivers, with rising fuel prices impacting everything from personal finances to business logistics.

However, good news for drivers! The Autumn Budget 2024 confirmed that fuel duty will not increase for at least another year, providing some welcome stability amid economic pressures. This decision includes maintaining the existing 5p cut in fuel duty introduced in 2022, keeping fuel duty steady at 52.95p per litre for petrol and diesel.

While fuel prices are expected to remain stable in the coming months, drivers will still benefit from regular vehicle servicing to maximise fuel efficiency. At Tivoli Auto Services, our servicing options ensure your engine runs smoothly and efficiently, helping you make the most of every litre of fuel.

Vehicle Excise Duty (Road Tax) Adjustments for 2025 for Road Users & Vehicle Owners

There are upcoming changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax. From April 2025, new tax bands will impact the first-year road tax for newly registered cars. When you tax your vehicle, here’s what to look out for:

Electric Vehicles & Low Emission Cars: Cars emitting 1-50g/km of CO2, including many plug-in hybrids, will see the first-year road tax rate rise to £110 from the current rate of £0.
Moderate Emission Vehicles: Vehicles emitting between 51-75g/km of CO2 will increase from £30 (or £20 for hybrids) to £135 in the first year.
Petrol and Diesel Cars: These will see their first-year road tax rates doubling, impacting car owners relying on traditional fuel.

While the changes don’t take effect until 2025, drivers considering a vehicle upgrade should be aware of these adjustments. If you’re looking to keep your current car in top condition, Tivoli Auto Services offers regular servicing and MOTs so your vehicle remains roadworthy and efficient.

Road Maintenance & Pothole Repair Funding

UK road maintenance funding sees a significant boost this autumn, with an additional £500 million set aside for repairs beginning in April 2025. This increased funding aims to tackle the UK’s pothole problem, with an estimated one million potholes expected to be repaired per year. For drivers, this could mean fewer pothole-related breakdowns and smoother journeys, a welcome improvement as pothole incidents reached record highs this year.

Despite these efforts, potholes continue to pose risks for vehicle wear and tear. Tivoli Auto Services can help address suspension issues, tyre wear, and other damage caused by poor road conditions, ensuring your car remains in optimal condition, no matter what the roads throw your way.

Boosting EV Charger Accessibility

With £200 million allocated to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the Government aims to increase accessibility to EV chargers across England. However, private EV incentives remain limited, leaving some motorists wondering if now is the right time to transition to electric.

For those who own or plan to invest in an electric vehicle, Tivoli Auto Services offers servicing for EVs to ensure battery health and mechanical reliability.

Fuel Price Monitoring Scheme Introduced for Road Users & Vehicle Owners

To promote fair fuel pricing, the Pump Watch scheme will monitor and publish mandatory fuel prices beginning in late 2025. This initiative aims to keep fuel suppliers accountable, providing motorists with greater transparency at the pump.

Until then, routine vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and tyre checks, remains an effective way to manage fuel efficiency. If you’re looking to maximise your vehicle’s performance, our comprehensive servicing options can help you get the most from every fill-up.

Celebrating 65 Years of the M1 Motorway

In other autumn news, the M1 motorway celebrates its 65th birthday! The M1, which connects London to Leeds, initially opened in 1959 between Watford and Rugby and quickly established itself as a vital north-south link. While modern motorways have improved safety and efficiency, early sections of the M1 had no speed limits, barriers, or lighting – a reminder of how far road infrastructure has come.

Whether you’re a regular on the M1 or other motorways, maintaining your vehicle’s safety and efficiency is essential. Tivoli Auto Services provides expert care to ensure your car performs reliably across long motorway journeys.

Why Choose Tivoli Auto Services for Your Autumn Car Needs?

At Tivoli Auto Services in St Leonards, we offer a full range of services designed to keep your vehicle road-ready. Whether you need an MOT test, a valid MOT certificate, or routine maintenance, our team is here to help. Regular servicing is essential for maintaining vehicle health, especially with the changing weather conditions that autumn often brings for Road Users & Vehicle Owners.

Efficient Fuel Usage: Keep your car running efficiently with routine checks included in every service.
Peace of Mind with MOT Compliance: Ensure your car meets all legal requirements, avoiding penalties or complications with road tax and statutory off-road notifications (SORN).
Electric & Hybrid Support: For those moving towards electric vehicles, we offer services tailored to hybrid and EV models.

Book Your Service Today at Tivoli!

This autumn Tivoli Auto Services can keep your vehicle running at its best. Whether you’re preparing for colder weather or just need to renew your MOT certificate, our team is here to help.

Contact us today to book a service, and keep your car roadworthy, efficient, and ready for whatever the road – or the Autumn budget 2024 brings this season.