Rachel Reeves has been criticised for introducing changes to Vehicle Excise Duty which could make road conditions worse across Northern Ireland.
Almost one month after the Government implemented higher road tax rates, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Councillor Keith Ratcliffe has raised concerns about the state of local roads.
The councillor highlighted that even vehicles which historically have not had to pay tax now face bills following changes announced by Reeves at the Autumn Budget last October.
The tax changes, which came into effect on April 1, have particularly impacted electric vehicle owners who now must pay road tax for the first time.
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The changes to VED have meant electric cars will now be subject to taxation
PA/X/DVLARatcliffe acknowledged that "no one will ever welcome additional taxation" but questioned whether the public would see tangible improvements to road infrastructure as a result of the increased charges.
Electric vehicles registered on or after April 1, 2025, will now pay £10 first-year road tax until 2029-30, with EVs falling into the lowest emissions band.
EVs registered between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2025, will pay the standard-rate road tax of £195 from April 1, 2025.
The changes also introduce the Expensive Car Supplement, also known as the "luxury car tax", to brand-new electric vehicles for the first time.
Cars with a list price over £40,000 at first registration will pay an additional rate of £425 for five years from the start of the second licence.
The new tax structure includes significant increases for higher emission vehicles, with first-year rates reaching £5,490 for cars emitting over 255g/km of CO2.
Hybrid, petrol and diesel car owners have also been affected by the changes, with various rates depending on emission levels and registration dates. Ratcliffe expressed growing frustration with the Department for Infrastructure's handling of road maintenance issues.
"As a local councillor, I am increasingly frustrated with the inability of the Department for Infrastructure to complete even the simplest tasks in relation to the network," he said.
He highlighted particular concerns about road safety for motorcyclists during the warmer months.
He warned: "With the arrival of good weather, there will be an increase in bikers on the roads and potholes, which can cause damage to cars and become a threat to the life of motorcycles. Therefore, the case for action is all the more pressing."
The councillor emphasised that with motorists now paying more in road tax, they should expect better road conditions in return.
"With the increase in road tax, the least motorists can expect are roads fit to drive on," he added.
The tax changes come amid growing concerns about the condition of roads across the UK, with potholes being a particular issue highlighted by road users.
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Car tax changes came into effect on April 1
GETTYLocal authorities have faced budget constraints in recent years, limiting their ability to maintain road infrastructure to the standard many motorists expect.
The Department for Infrastructure has not yet responded to the councillor's comments about whether the additional tax revenue will be directed toward road improvements.
