Vehicle duty rates are planned to rise by 10 per cent across most categories, if proposals being brought forward by the Department of Infrastructure are approved at the March sitting of Tynwald.

It will be the first road tax rise since April 2020.

The minimum annual charge is also planned to rise to £65, which will also apply to all electric vehicles for the first time.

The Vehicle Duty Order 2023 proposals also include a provision that will allow motorists be able to pay for six months’ road tax.

The six-month payment option is open to all categories and will require motorists to pay generally half the full year’s fee plus £6.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Thomas MHK said: ‘The new order contains changes designed to modernise the way vehicle duty is collected and, most importantly, ensure the correct amount is raised to maintain and improve the island’s highway network.

‘Valuable engagement has taken place in preparing the Order and to raise fees across every category. I’m sure six-month payments will be welcomed by many in the Island, and the team is now working towards introducing direct debits as an additional payment option.

‘While fees are being introduced for electric vehicles, it is important to highlight the department’s commitment to restricting the registration of higher polluting cars and vans through separate legislation that will be brought forward in line with powers included in the Climate Change Act.’

Government has said that in seven years’ time it’s likely there will be more than 13,000 electric vehicles in the island.

The introduction of fees for electric vehicles is intended as the first step towards harmonising the amount of duty paid by owners of zero emission, hybrid and fossil-fuelled vehicles.

A government spokesperson added: ‘Income generated through vehicle duty is spent on maintaining and improving the island’s highways. Raising this type of revenue reflects the aims of Our Island Plan and Economic Strategy through investment in the maintenance of key infrastructure.’

In addition to the above changes, it is proposed a rolling 30-year period will be established after which a vehicle would be regarded as a private veteran vehicle and pay the new £28 annual fee.