Public petition proposes car tax changes
The campaign proposes a halving of annual car tax for vehicles manufactured between 1987 and 2006, which would affect cars currently liable for the standard VED rate. The petition’s author contends that high annual charges create a “disposable” culture, incentivising owners to scrap functioning older vehicles rather than maintain them.
Proponents argue this change would reduce waste and promote sustainable practices for vehicles not yet eligible for historic status a category currently applied to cars 40 years and older.
Details of the proposed Vehicle Excise Duty reduction
The petition calls for the creation of a new “Transition to Historic” or “Young-Timer” bracket that would qualify eligible vehicles for a 50% reduction in VED. The proposal suggests that vehicles meeting the age range often cover low annual mileages and that maintaining them has lower environmental impact than manufacturing new cars, primarily due to so-called “embedded carbon”.
At the time of writing, the petition launched by Heitor Mazzotti requires only a modest number of additional signatures to cross the threshold for a government reply. If the total surpasses 100,000, the matter may be considered for Parliamentary debate, as per the existing process for public petitions.
Environmental and economic arguments cited
Supporters of the measure say that manufacturing new vehicles generates considerable carbon emissions and resource use, while keeping older, roadworthy cars helps preserve those resources by extending their lifespan.
The campaign also notes the contribution of the UK’s automotive heritage and specialist repair sectors, with the petition stating: “Keeping a functional 20-year-old car on the road is often greener than building a new one, as it preserves the embedded carbon already spent.”
Current taxation and classic vehicle context
According to UK tax rules as of 2024, vehicles registered before 1 January 1984 qualify for historic vehicle status and are currently exempt from VED, while those manufactured after this date pay either the standard flat rate of £140 per year or, in their first year, an emissions-dependent rate.
Zero-emission vehicles remain exempt from annual charges. For the vehicles specifically targeted by this petition those built between 1987 and 2006 the standard VED currently applies and has not changed to accommodate their growing age or collector value.
Public engagement and government response process
Official guidance on public petitions states that any petition gaining 10,000 signatures secures a formal government response, while those exceeding 100,000 may be put forward for debate in Parliament.
The submission period allows six months for signatories to register support, with the closure for this petition scheduled for August 2026. The steady growth in signatures indicates substantial public interest in how car tax policy affects the owners of older vehicles and the industries supporting their preservation.
Wider implications for vehicle owners and industry
A change to the VED structure could have financial implications for owners of so-called modern classics, potentially keeping more vehicles on the road for longer. Many in the industry argue that this would benefit not only enthusiasts and specialist garages, but also help promote sustainability in road transport.
While the petition awaits official review, the discussion highlights a broader debate about balancing environmental objectives, heritage preservation, and evolving vehicle tax policy.
Final Summary
The public petition urging a 50% reduction in VED for vehicles aged 20–39 reflects growing interest in supporting the preservation and restoration of modern classics. The campaign argues this would help reduce environmental waste and support the UK’s historic vehicle sector, while also recognising the lower annual use reported for these vehicles.
With the petition set to soon reach the 10,000 signature threshold, attention is likely to focus on how government and lawmakers respond to calls for a more nuanced approach to car taxation. For vehicle owners examining the potential financial and environmental impact of such policy proposals, tools like the Pie app can assist in tracking changing costs and tax rules.
