Drivers are set to be hit with a new pay-per-mile car tax system that could make “driving home for Christmas ” more costly, sparking warnings of the financial impact on festive travel.
The Labour Party government’s upcoming pay-per-mile tax law is causing concern among UK families who are anticipating extra expenses during their holiday commutes. A study by GM Direct Hire revealed that 70% of participants believe the impending tax might alter their Christmas travel plans. Designed to cut down traffic and slash carbon emissions, the tax could charge motorists up to 15p for every mile on longer trips a cost that could significantly bump up the price of seasonal journeys.
For instance, a family trekking from London to Manchester and back, covering a distance of 400 miles, would be slapped with an additional £60 in taxes due to the 15p per mile rate.
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And for those journeying even further, say from London to Edinburgh (800 miles round trip), the tax bill could soar to £120 just for the travel.
Majid Ismailzada, Marketing Director and Motoring Expert at GM Direct Hire, weighed in on the survey results: “It’s clear that many families are concerned about the impact of this new tax. With the cost of fuel and other expenses rising, the added burden of a pay-per-mile tax could make long-distance travel over the holidays less appealing for many.”
Amy Harker, a Manchester-based mum to a 4 year old lad, voiced her worries about the new pay-per-mile tax’s impact, particularly during the festive season. “As a single mother, every penny counts, and with rising living costs, adding an extra £60 just for driving home to see family makes it difficult to justify the trip,” she explained, reports Birmingham Live.
“I’m now reconsidering our travel plans this year, as the tax alone could take away from gifts or other essentials for my son.”
For families in Amy’s situation, the new tax could force some hard decisions over the Christmas period.
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