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Budget 2018: Ten things drivers and fleet managers need to know

Here’s a summary of the budget announcements that’ll directly impact the automotive industry.

  1. Funding for electric vehicle charging points

    2. In an effort to improve the UK’s reputation in the electric vehicles market, the government confirmed they will extend the funding given to companies who are investing in electric vehicle charge points to 2023.

  2. Alternative fuels

    3. There’s some good news for drivers of low emission cars because there are no plans to change the different rates for alternative and main road fuel duty rates until at least 2032.

  3. Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP)

    4. The budget document stated that the government will be reviewing the impact of WLTP on VED and company car tax and will release a report in spring 2019.

  4. Road tax

    5. From April 2019, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for cars, vans and motorcycles will increase in line with inflation. VED for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) has been frozen for another year.

  5. Fuel duty

    6. We already knew that fuel duty was going to be frozen for the ninth consecutive year. However, the chancellor stated in his speech that this tax freeze has saved the average car driver £1,000 and van drivers £2,500.

  6. Public transport

    7. The government confirmed they will be investing £90 million in smart transport which will include ‘on-demand buses’.

  7. Tax-free allowance

    8. For English tax payers, the personal allowance will increase from £11,850 to £12,500 and the higher rate threshold will increase to £50,000 by April 2019.

  8. Improving the UK’s roads

    9. Money collected from road tax will be ring-fenced to help improve infrastructure. The government pledged £30 billion to improve Britain’s road and confirmed an additional £420 million to tackle potholes, bridge repairs and other minor works.

  9. Company car fuel benefit charges

    10. Company car drivers can expect fuel benefit charges to increase from April 2019 in line with inflation.

  10. Van drivers

    11. The budget document confirmed there will be new environmental incentives for van drivers with the aim of increasing zero and ultra-low emission and alternatively-fuelled vans from April 2021.

What’s missing from the 2018 budget announcement?

  • No confirmed changes to the published company car tax tables (this is subject to the review of WLTP impact which should be published next spring).
  • No further update on Optional Remuneration Arrangements (OpRA).
  • No changes to the Annual Mileage Authorised Payment (AMAP).


For more information about how the recent announcements will affect your fleet. Read our full budget guide.

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