Motorists will be hit by a swathe of new taxes and mileage regulations from today as the Government raises the costs associated with having a car for disabled people.
The changes will come into force on Wednesday, with VAT now levied on advance payments for more expensive vehicles, a new 30,000-mile cap and steeper penalties for drivers who exceed that limit.
It comes as part of wider steps to slash rising costs, with luxury car models, such as BMWs and Audis, already having been removed from the scheme following pressure on the Government to offer only mainstream brands.
Ministers hope the new tax rules will save £1bn by 2030, with the reforms intended to ensure “fairness for the taxpayer”, according to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden.
But benefits claimants who say they rely on cars leased via the Motability Scheme for their independence have branded the charges a “direct attack” on disabled people.
