From Labour to Labour

Much has changed for motorists since a Labour Government was last defeated in May 2010, but one thing that hasn’t is the cost of an MOT.

Meanwhile, the number of electric cars on UK roads has increased from 2,500 to more than 1.1 million.

Electric charging points have grown from a few hundred to more than 60,000.

Changes

Research by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco reveals that the MOT test fee for cars (Class 4 vehicles) was last increased on 6 April 2010.

This was just before Labour lost power to the Conservative Party.

At that time, the maximum fee was raised to £54.85 from £54, an increase of just 85 pence or just 1.5%.

The fee has remained unchanged since then.

Diesel

In May 2010, new diesel car sales in the UK accounted for approximately 45% of the market share.
It marked a significant milestone as the first time diesel cars outsold petrol cars in the UK.

This shift reflected a growing preference for diesel vehicles due to their perceived fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

According to the SMMT, by June 2024, new diesel car sales in the UK had plummeted to just 6.0% of the market.

The substantial decline signifies a shift in consumer preference towards alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids and electric vehicles.

Road tax

In May 2010, the cost of UK road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) varied depending on the vehicle’s emissions.

For vehicles registered before March 2001, road tax was based on engine size.

Vehicles registered after March 2001, road tax was based on CO2 emissions.

Road tax ranged from Band A (up to 100 g/km CO2 emissions): £0 to Band L (226 – 255 g/km CO2 emissions): £425.

As of 2024, the road tax rates in the UK (Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) continue to be based on CO2 emissions for cars registered after April 2017.

Cars registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017, the rate of vehicle tax is based on fuel type and CO2 emissions.

The current rates for petrol and diesel cars range from 0 g/km CO2 emissions (electric vehicles): £0 to Over 255 g/km CO2 emissions: £2,335

Electric vehicles

In May 2010, approximately 2,500 registered electric cars were on UK roads, marking the early stages of the country’s adoption of electric vehicles when the market was nascent.

By June 2024, the number of fully electric vehicles (BEVs) registered on UK roads had surpassed 1 million.

This milestone underscores the remarkable growth in electric vehicle adoption in the UK, demonstrating a notable shift towards sustainable transportation solutions.

Back in 2010, the number of electric car chargers on UK roads was minimal, and the infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) was in its infancy.

There were only around 400 charging points available nationwide.

However, by July 2024, this figure had grown dramatically to more than 60,000 public charging points installed nationwide.

‘Its substantial expansion in EV charging infrastructure mirrors the significant rise in electric vehicle adoption over the past decade.

Average electric car range was around 80 to 100 miles per charge in 2010.

As of 2024, advancements in battery technology and infrastructure have significantly increased the average range to approximately 250 to 300 miles per charge for many electric vehicles.

Driving licences

According to the DVLA, approximately 35.6 million full and provisional driving licences were held in the UK in May 2010.

According to the latest DVLA, more than 42 million people in the UK now hold a full driving licence, and more than nine million hold a provisional licence.

Most popular cars

In 2010, the Ford Fiesta was the most popular car in the UK regarding sales.

The Ford Fiesta consistently topped the sales charts throughout the year, reflecting its popularity among UK motorists for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practical design.

It kept this position almost consistently until it was discontinued in 2023.

This decision reflects a broader industry shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs as manufacturers adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements.

Based on the SMMT’s new car registration figures, the Ford Puma is the UK’s most popular car in 2024 to date.

It combines the best of both worlds—petrol and electric hybrid.

 The changing UK motoring landscape

ECO thinking

John Wilmot, CEO, car leasing comparison site LeaseLoco, says the research shows a “profound transformation since 2010, largely shaped by the dual trends of electric vehicle evolution and the decline of diesel”.

“Over the past decade, electric cars have emerged from niche novelties to mainstream contenders, with advancements in technology significantly improving range, charging infrastructure expanding exponentially, and government incentives promoting adoption,” adds Wilmot.

“Conversely, diesel, once favoured for its efficiency, has faced a sharp decline amidst tightening emissions regulations and shifting public perception towards cleaner alternatives. This shift reflects a broader global movement towards sustainable transportation, highlighting a pivotal moment in automotive history where environmental consciousness and technological innovation are reshaping our roads and the future of mobility.”