UK Motoring News Roundup: What South Yorkshire Drivers Need to Know (February 2026)

The UK automotive landscape is shifting in early 2026, with a major focus on the upcoming April 2025/2026 VED (Road Tax) changes for electric vehicles, the continued freeze on Fuel Duty, and a stabilising used car market. For drivers in Barnsley, Sheffield, and Doncaster, the big news is that used car prices are becoming more predictable, making it a great time to trade in or upgrade.

• EV Tax is Here: From April 2025, electric vehicles are no longer £0 to tax; we explain the new rates.

• Fuel Duty Freeze: The government has maintained the 5p cut, offering some relief at the pumps in Barnsley.

• Used Market Stability: Prices have levelled off after the volatility of the last two years.

• Sheffield CAZ: No new changes, but compliance remains high for petrol and newer diesel cars.

• New Tech: 2026 models are hitting the market, meaning more high-tech 3-year-old cars are arriving in our stock.

Useful links:

• Browse our latest stock: https://anycolourcar.com/car-search?finance-deposit=1000&finance-term-month=48&page=1&per-page=10&price-type=Finance&sort-by=age_oldest

• Get a valuation for your car: https://anycolourcar.com/sell

• Book a service or MOT: https://anycolourcar.com/book-mot-service-online

• Contact us: https://anycolourcar.com/contact-us

1. The "EV Tax" is arriving: What you’ll pay

For years, one of the biggest perks of going electric was the £0 Road Tax (VED). However, as of April 2025, that has changed.

• New EVs: Will pay the lowest first-year rate (£10), then move to the standard rate.

• Used EVs: Most electric cars registered since 2017 will now move to the standard annual rate (currently around £190).

• Expensive EVs: Cars with a list price over £40,000 will also be subject to the "Expensive Car Supplement" from their second year of registration.

The AnyColourCar Take: While the tax saving has gone, the fuel savings of an EV (especially with home charging) still far outweigh the £190 annual tax bill for most South Yorkshire commuters.

2. Fuel Duty: A small win for Petrol & Diesel drivers

In the latest budget updates, the UK government has extended the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty for another year. With fuel prices remaining relatively stable compared to the spikes of 2023, this is good news for those not yet ready to switch to electric.

The AnyColourCar Take: It’s a welcome relief, but we still recommend looking at Hybrids if you want to permanently lower your monthly fuel spend.

3. Used Car Market: The "Return to Normal"

After a few years of "crazy" used car prices caused by new car supply shortages, the market has finally stabilised. Supply is back to normal, which means:

• Prices are more predictable.

• Part-exchange values are realistic.

• There is much more choice for buyers in the 3-to-5-year-old bracket.

The AnyColourCar Take: If you’ve been holding off on upgrading because prices felt too high, now is a much safer time to buy. You’re less likely to see a sudden "crash" in your car's value.

4. Sheffield Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Update

The Sheffield CAZ continues to operate, but the good news for used car buyers is that the vast majority of cars we sell are fully compliant.

• Petrol cars from 2006 onwards are generally free.

• Diesel cars from 2016 onwards (Euro 6) are generally free.

The AnyColourCar Take: We check every car we buy to ensure it meets local standards, so you don't have to worry about a £10 daily charge when heading into Sheffield city centre.

5. The Rise of "Software-Defined" Vehicles

2026 is seeing a huge influx of cars that rely more on software than ever before. Over-the-air updates (like you get on your phone) are becoming standard on 3-year-old used cars. This means your car can actually improve while you own it, with updates to navigation, battery efficiency, and safety features.

The AnyColourCar Take: We’re seeing more tech-heavy cars like the VW ID series, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai Ioniq arriving in our Barnsley showroom. We’ll help you navigate the tech so you feel confident behind the wheel.

Summary: Is now a good time to buy?

In short: Yes. With stable prices, predictable tax rates, and a huge variety of high-tech used cars available, 2026 is a "buyer's market." The key is to choose a car that fits your specific South Yorkshire lifestyle—whether that's a rugged SUV for the hills or a zippy hybrid for the school run.

FAQs: News Edition

Will petrol and diesel cars be banned soon?
The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is currently set for 2030/2035, but you will still be able to buy, sell, and drive used petrol and diesel cars for many, many years after that.

Are used car prices going to drop further?
Most experts believe we have hit a "plateau." We don't expect a major drop, but we also don't expect the massive price hikes we saw a few years ago.

Should I wait for the new '76' plate in September?
If you're buying used, the plate change often brings a fresh wave of part-exchanges into our stock, giving you even more choice!

Next Steps

• See our latest arrivals in Barnsley: https://anycolourcar.com/car-search?finance-deposit=1000&finance-term-month=48&page=1&per-page=10&price-type=Finance&sort-by=age_oldest

• Get an up-to-the-minute valuation for your car: https://anycolourcar.com/sell

• Book a service to stay road-legal and efficient: https://anycolourcar.com/book-mot-service-online

• Contact us for the latest local advice: https://anycolourcar.com/contact-us