Some drivers are calling the scheme 'ageist'(Image: Derby Telegraph)

Car tax discount could be offered to drivers over certain age in new VED rule

A new petition is calling for urgent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) car tax exemptions

by · Derbyshire Live

An "ageist" scheme is being called out by motorists after a petition was launched calling for urgent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Older drivers could save on a car tax under the new proposals, which aim to ensure more older motorists can take advantage of savings.

The petition reads: "Exempt disabled people on attendance allowance from paying car tax. Disabled people below pension age, in receipt of DLA or PIP, can apply for full exemption or a 50 per cent discount. Disabled pension-age people on AA receive no discount/exemption.

"This in itself is ageist. Whether on DLA/PIP or Attendance Allowance, people should be treated equally & fairly. By giving disabled pensioners on AA, a discount/exemption for car tax, that money could go towards their heating or food bills. It is very unfair and ageist.

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"I am not a pensioner however I see many struggling financially. Please help make it slightly easier for disabled pensioners on attendance allowance to afford to keep their car by treating them the same as disabled people under pension age.

"Disabled people should be treated equally regardless of age." At 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond to this petition. At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament, Birmingham Live reports.

With car insurance increasing for motorists against costly VED tax, car expert Darren Miller from BigWantsYourCar.com said: “We've noticed that the car insurance cost has increased because of Insurance Premium Tax. This tax is currently set at 12%, meaning the average person pays an extra £67 for their insurance.

"This might not seem like a lot, but it can be challenging for people struggling to make ends meet.” He added: "Looking at the recent data, we've seen a staggering increase in motor insurance costs. Last year, the average price jumped from £470 to £627 between October and December. This £157 hike in such a short span is unprecedented and places considerable financial pressure on drivers."

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