New Car Tax Rules Having Effect Say Direct Line

Published: 09/10/08

A new study on new car puchase decisions by Direct Line insurance has found that the decision of the chancellor to introduce a GBP2,000 charge on high emission vehicles is affecting the choices people are making.

The Direct Line survey found that half of the people surveyed would be less likely to choose a 4x4 or MPV now the new levy has been made public. In addition almost 15 percent said they would avoid buying a car that was relatively thirsty on fuel. The difference compared with a month ago is very noticeable, when 16 percent of people said they were going to buy one of these types of vehicles.

It appears that the older drivers were more likely to be swayed by the new charges being introduced by the government, the 55 and over age group being most swayed by the levy. There was also a greater change in attitudes of men than women to the charge.