UK motorists still not sure what to do about the defunct tax disc.

Majority of motorists still hanging onto their paper VED tax disc a month after the law was changed.

More than half of motorists (61%) have not bothered to remove their paper tax disc from their windscreen a month after the law requiring them to be displayed was scrapped, new research has found.

Since 1st October, motorists have no longer been required to display proof of VED payment by displaying a paper disc in the corner of their windscreen.

Instead, police can now use a car’s registration plate to check the DVLA database, to make sure the vehicle’s owner has paid up.

In a new survey commissioned by the UK’s leading website for car leasing deals, ContractHireAndLeasing.com*, it was discovered that a third of motorists aren’t really bothered about removing their tax discs. 

This third (34%) said they were perfectly aware that they were no longer required to display a paper VED disc but they weren’t particularly bothered about removing them.

Another 17% said they plan to remove theirs soon but just haven’t got round to it yet and 10% said they weren’t aware they no longer needed displaying.

The survey conducted by Populus, using a sample of 2,004 GB adults – also found that men were less bothered about removing their old paper disc than women, with 38% of men compared to 30% of women expressing an indifference to the change of law.

The survey found that younger generations were more eager to ditch the paper accessory than the older generations, with the 25-34 age group, the most likely to have already removed the tax disc at 21%, compared to just 11% of the 55-64 and 65+ age groups respectively.

ContractHireAndLeasing.com spokesperson, John Simpson commented: “I was among those who removed their tax disc right away; it felt like the end of an era and a chance to get rid of an unnecessary mess in the corner of my windscreen.

“For fleet managers, ensuring every vehicle displays a valid tax disc is a hassle they could do without so the decision get rid of them will doubtlessly be appreciated by them.

“However, our survey’s findings suggest that to the majority of motorists, scrapping the physical tax disc – a 93 year tradition – is no big deal,” he adds.

The humble tax disc was first introduced in 1921 and has been a clear symbol of a law-abiding, duty-paying motorist ever since.

Now that the paper tax disc has been scrapped, ContractHireAndLeasing.com has suggested some alternative uses for your newly redundant disc holder. Here are a handful of ideas:

1. Store contact/medical details in it in case of an accident

2. Keep some breath mints/chewing gum handy

3. Use it as a pen and notebook holder

4. Park in a high footfall area and sell it as advertising space to innovative businesses

5. Keep a picture of your loved ones where everyone can see.

There are many more on our blog at http://www.contracthireandleasing.com/car-leasing-news/nine-things-you-can-do-with-your-now-redundant-tax-disc-holder/

Lexus celebrates Best Manufacturer win in Auto Express Driver Power Awards

Lexus named best manufacturer in 2013 survey

Lexus has been named top manufacturer in the 2013 Auto Express Driver Power survey, returning to the number one spot after four years as runner-up.

The results, based on the opinions and real-life experiences of more than 45,000 UK motorists, reflect the special quality, owner-appeal and performance of Lexus models.

Steve Fowler, Auto Express editor-in-chief, said: “Lexus takes a well deserved top spot in the Driver Power 2013 manufacturer chart. It finished first in three out of the 10 categories in our survey, and second in two others – a hugely impressive result.

“More than anything, Lexus customers praised their cars’ premium qualities – they’re expertly put together, packed with gadgets and a pleasure to drive.”

Richard Balshaw, Lexus Division Director, said: “We’re delighted to have earned this award again, the competition becomes tougher every year.

“Lexus came to the market promising to deliver a new and better customer experience, and we’ve stayed true to that promise by creating cars that deliver luxury, style, reliability and a great driving experience.

“Today our range of models is more extensive and more technically advanced than ever. It’s set to grow further this summer with the all new IS sports saloon, which for the first time will offer the option of full hybrid power. This means even more customers will be discovering what makes the difference when it comes to owning and driving a Lexus.”