London, UK – 20 November 2025
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver the UK government’s Budget on 26 November, motorists are bracing for what many fear could be yet another round of fragmented and inconsistent motoring policies. Stuart Masson, Editorial Director of The Car Expert, has outlined what he believes the government should prioritise to support drivers and the wider automotive market.
“For years, we’ve seen governments tinker around the edges of motoring policy with no coherent strategy, no clear priorities, and no understanding of how real people actually buy, own, and run their cars,” Masson said. “The result is an inconsistent, short-term approach that costs drivers money and leaves the industry second-guessing every move.”
Clarity on Taxation is Key
Masson argues that UK motorists need clear, consistent guidance on vehicle taxation. “There’s a lot of noise about EV grants and pay-per-mile systems,” he said. “But you can’t bolt a pay-per-mile scheme onto the existing structure and hope it works, especially when, just a few months ago, the government invested hundreds of millions in grants for new EVs.”
He warns that introducing a pay-per-mile tax could deter potential EV buyers rather than encourage the switch from petrol to electric, highlighting the need for a fully thought-out tax strategy that supports, rather than penalises, drivers.
Rethinking the ‘Expensive Car’ Supplement
The current “expensive car” supplement, which applies to vehicles with a list price of £40,000 or more, is another area in need of reform. “At the moment, it’s catching perfectly ordinary family SUVs and estate cars – the kinds of vehicles people genuinely need,” Masson said. “If we want families to move into cleaner, safer, more efficient models, we can’t punish them with arbitrary charges.”
Supporting the Used Car Market
With more than 80% of UK car transactions occurring in the used market, Masson emphasises that policy support cannot focus solely on new vehicles. He advocates for schemes that help people transition from older, polluting cars to more efficient used EVs at affordable price points. Such measures, he notes, could improve air quality while protecting the value of used EVs.
Fuel Duty and MOT Costs
Fuel duty, already frozen for over a decade, remains a significant burden, accounting for more than half of the cost at the pump. “If the government is serious about pay-per-mile, it should consider it as a replacement for fuel duty, not an add-on,” Masson said.
Meanwhile, rising costs for essential services such as MOTs are also a concern. Masson suggests reconsidering the frequency of testing to alleviate pressure on households, proposing a shift from annual to biennial checks.
A Call for a Coherent Long-Term Strategy
“Motorists are not asking for handouts—they’re asking for a plan,” Masson concludes. “A stable, consistent strategy is needed, one that delivers clarity, predictability, and value. This Budget should provide a credible roadmap for motoring in the UK, not more noise or muddle.”
At The Car Expert, the popularity of guides on cost-efficient ways to buy and sell cars underscores the public appetite for practical advice. Masson hopes the government’s Budget will finally provide the long-term vision UK drivers have been waiting for.
