Drivers must act swiftly to declutter their cars before next Wednesday, ahead of an anticipated hike in fuel duty following the new Labour Party government’s Budget set for October 30. Professionals within the automotive industry signal a green light for motorists to make adjustments.
Aidan Rushby, Founder and CEO of Carmoola, sympathised with road users, stating: “We understand the added financial strain that a hike in fuel costs could place on motorists. Whilst any rise in taxes is out of consumers’ control, we’re sharing these practical tips – some well-known, others less so – to help drivers take back some control over their car costs.”
Carmoola’s key step for efficiency is urging drivers to clear unnecessary weight by ejecting unneeded items from their vehicles. Motorists are also advised to strip away non-essential external accessories like roof racks, tents, and storage boxes.
Moreover, maintaining steady speeds and keeping cool behind the wheel were suggested as additional methods for conservation.
Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, which includes the UK brand Allstar, raises questions about the timing of tax increases, commenting: “The government is likely to end the temporary extension of the 5p fuel duty cut that was put in place by the previous Chancellor. While we knew this would happen at some point, the government needs to ask itself whether now is the right time. Are there no other areas it can make cuts? “, reports Birmingham Live.
“Ending the fuel duty cut would only save the government £2bn per year, or one-eleventh of the £22bn ‘budget black hole’. This is a mere drop in the ocean compared to the £788.59bn the UK brought in via tax receipts for the 2022/23 tax year.”
Holland pointed out the severe impacts of the years since Covid and the invasion of Ukraine, noting that the 5p cut was “small, often insufficient, but still welcome relief to all that take to the UK’s roads”. He cautioned: “Cutting it now will stop fleets from being able to rebuild after several difficult years, and we urge the government to rethink this reported move.”