Motorists face petrol and diesel fuel duty price hikes (Image: Getty)
Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been tipped to raise fuel duty by up to 10p per litre in a potential blow to petrol and diesel drivers. Robert Salter, a director at Blick Rothenberg, warned raising prices could be a consequence of planned increases in defence and transport spending.
The expert stressed the Government could pay for a planned £6billion defence spending package by taking economic measures such as reducing tax relief on pensioners. Mr Salter stressed the Government could restrict Inheritance tax thresholds or raise corporation tax. But, he admitted fuel duty was another lever officials could tap into in a bid to generate revenue.
Experts warn Rachel Reeves may consider fuel duty rises (Image: Getty)
Fuel duty brings in around £25billion per year and is a significant source of revenue for the Treasury.
However, Blick Rothenberg warns that an end to the 5p freeze and an extra raise could be on the horizon at the Autumn Budget later this year.
Robert said: “Another option is to end the ‘temporary’ 5p per litre cut to fuel duty, which was introduced in 2022, and was extended in Ms Reeves’s first budget.
“It is now due to end in March 2026 and may now come to an end. The ‘temporary easement/ is presently costing ca. £2billion per annum.
“The Government could go further and raise it by say 10p per litre, which would potentially raise £4bn.
“But practically, the Government needs to look at alternative options for raising revenue from motorists, as fuel duty will be coming down over the next few years, as more and more people move to e-vehicles or at least hybrids.”
Robert warned there was a “risk” that hiking fuel duty fees too sharply could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
However, if everyone adopted the new models the Government could stand to lose significant revenue with an alternative to fuel duty not yet mapped out.
Robert suggested the Government could consider putting in alternative plans to raise equivalent revenues such as toll roads.
The Government continued the Conservatives’ fuel duty freeze at the last Autumn Budget back in October 2024.
Any update on fuel duty fees is likely to come at the next Autumn Budget with no date yet to be confirmed.
Despite this, it is expected that the Chancellor will present her latest statement around October and November 2025.
Drivers warned of £5,000 fine for breaking little-known sunglasses rule
Drivers have been warned about a sunglasses law that could land a hefty fine (Image: Getty)
With another mini-heatwave expected to hit Britain, drivers are being warned about a little-known sunglasses rule that could land a fine of up to £5,000. Car experts at Bumper are urging motorists to double-check their eyewear to ensure it’s suitable for the road, as certain sunglasses are considered unsafe under UK driving laws.
Sunglasses sold in the UK are grouped into categories from zero to four based on their tint, and most standard sunglasses fall into category two, which are generally safe for road use. However, category four sunglasses, which block 92 to 97% of light, are deemed too dark for driving and are legally unsuitable.
Sunglasses that don’t allow in enough light could result in a fine (Image: Getty)
Car repair finance experts at Bumper warned that wearing the wrong kind could “land you in legal trouble”.
They explained: “Sunglasses with overly dark tints can dramatically reduce visibility, especially in shaded areas, tunnels or when moving between light conditions — putting you and other road users at risk.”
“Drivers need to be able to clearly see road signs, pedestrians, and changes in road surface. Anything that compromises that is a risk.”
Other types of eyewear to avoid while driving include small fashion frames that don’t adequately shield the eyes, yellow-tinted lenses that distort perception or glasses with large side arms that obstruct peripheral vision.
Equally, if you’re dazzled by the sun and fail to take precautions, like wearing appropriate sunglasses or using your sun visor, this could also result in a £1,000 fine.
“The Highway Code makes it clear: if you are dazzled by sunlight, you must slow down or stop. Failing to do so because of inappropriate eyewear puts the responsibility squarely on the driver,” added the expert.
Aside from safety and fines, the expert warned that it could also cause insurance issues, because if a driver is involved in a crash while wearing unsuitable sunglasses and vision was impaired, insurers could reject the claim.
“If your vision is compromised and that leads to an accident, your insurer may argue you were at fault — and that could invalidate your cover,” warned Bumper. “Wearing the right eyewear is about protecting yourself both legally and financially.”
