The Chancellor’s recent Comprehensive Spending Review included a commitment to spend £2.6bn on decarbonising transport, £1.4bn of which is to support the continued uptake of electric cars, vans, and trucks.
BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston, said: “The Government is clearly committed to its road transport decarbonisation targets and giving serious thought to how it achieves them. The mandate flexibilities announced in April relieved the pressure on EV supply; today’s cash commitment could give a much-needed boost to demand.
“This £1.4bn could make a big difference in driving stronger and wider demand for vans, trucks and used electric vehicles. We will continue to work with colleagues at OZEV to highlight how this money can achieve the best return on investment.”
Automation of VED refunds
The Spending Review also included a significant update relating to how the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) processes Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) refunds.
The incoming change will see the refund process being automated, and follows years of sustained lobbying by the BVRLA. It will see the outdated paper cheque system replaced with a streamlined digital process.
This long-overdue change will:
- Save fleets millions in administrative costs
- Ensure faster, more secure refunds
- Mark a key step forward in the digitisation of vehicle tax processes.
This achievement is a strong example of how the association’s effective, persistent advocacy delivers real-world, cost-saving benefits for BVRLA members.
See the BVRLA’s VED Road Tax guidance.
