Don't worry, we haven't joined the Euro zone...it's just a picture...
With its focus elsewhere this year (stamp duty, tax avoidance), the government's budget doesn't hold all that many nasty surprises - or indeed pleasant gifts for the motorists, but there are a few things to note from Mr Osborne's third budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Here's our bluffer's guide to what you need to know:
As expected, the 3p increase in fuel duty will go ahead on 1 August, but no other increases are currently planned.
VED
No major changes here, but the road fund licence will be increased in line with inflation across the board.
The Chancellor did announce, however, that the government is to look at reforming the VED in the 'medium term' so that all motorists contribute what the treasury sees as their fair share to public funds, and to continue to encourage the use of 'efficient' vehicles. Make of that what you will...
In helpful news, there are also plans to set up a direct debit for VED so as to help motorists spread the cost over the course of a year
Company car tax rates
Cars emitting more than 75g/km CO2 will see the percentage of their list price subject to tax increased by 1 per cent, up to a maximum of 35 per cent in 2014-15. After which a 2 per cent rise will be implemented, moving up to a maximum of 37 per cent.
The three per cent diesel supplement on company car tax will be dropped from April 2016, bringing them to the same tax levels as petrol cars.
Toll roads
Mustn't forget these... as revealed earlier this week, the government is to undertake a feasibility study into new ownership and ?nancing models motorways and A-roads... but don't call it privatisation...