UK Government May Introduce 'SUV Tax' on Heavier Family Cars, Tories Warn

Drivers in the UK could face a new tax on heavier vehicles, potentially increasing the cost of popular family cars by more than £1,000, according to warnings from the Conservative Party.

Chancellor John Healey's office has reportedly engaged in discussions with clean energy group Transport & Environment (T&E) regarding a potential levy on heavier vehicles. T&E has advocated for such a measure, citing increased risks to other road users, road damage, and higher emissions associated with sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

While T&E described the meetings as 'productive,' Conservative transport spokesman Richard Holden expressed concern that the government might introduce another tax on motorists. He criticized the idea, stating, "Left-wing councils have declared open season on the family car, and now ministers are looking at how to make drivers pay more for the cars they own. Families deserve answers before Labour uses the Budget to hit them with yet another bill."

A T&E briefing from the previous year proposed a charge of £10 per kilogram on new petrol cars weighing over 1,600 kilograms (approximately 1.76 tons) and electric vehicles exceeding 2,000 kilograms (approximately 2.2 tons). This would be implemented as a one-time supplement to Vehicle Excise Duty at the point of new car purchase.

For instance, T&E calculated that this charge could add £1,120 to the price of a petrol Ford Kuga. Eloise Sacares of T&E stated that the levy would "make oversized SUVs pay their fair share."

Concerns have also been raised that such a tax could inadvertently penalize consumers opting for heavier electric vehicles, even as the government encourages the adoption of greener transportation. Some local councils in the UK already impose additional parking fees for SUVs.

The Treasury has declined to comment on what it termed "would not comment on speculation."