UK car tax discs will be extinct in six weeks but public remain unaware

Tax discs are set to be abolished in October. However, only half of the country knows about it.

17:58 26 August 2014

Paper tax discs are set to be abolished in less than six weeks but only half of the population is aware of the important changes coming into effect.

These will be replaced by electronic records whereby police cameras will check number plates to catch owners who have not paid.

A recent poll conducted by money.co.uk found that 50per cent of the drivers are clueless about the new rules while nearly a third said that they will not go through the hassle to find out what the new rules are. 6per cent thought that the changes were going to take effect next year.

Hannah Maundrell, editor in chief of money.co.uk, said: “Changes to the vehicle tax system are no bad thing and we fully welcome the introduction of direct debit payments, particularly for consumers who may be struggling to keep up with the soaring cost of driving.

“It will also help to eliminate the problem of people who genuinely forget to renew their tax and end up being stung with a hefty fine.

“However, I suspect the new system may experience some teething problems so drivers really need to make sure they're on top of their game.”