road tax for LGV versus HGV

gerdo

I was just looking at VED for a motorhome. On GOV.UK it states that tax for  a motorhome (light goods under 3500kg and over 1549cc) is £295 but a motorhome over 3500kg (heavy goods) is £165. 

I was just wondering why a lighter vehicle costs more in road tax. Googled it but couldn't find the answer.  

Jaybee_16

https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-tax/motorhome-and-camper-van-tax-rates/

Vehicles that weight over 3500kg

A separate set of rules apply for motorhomes over 3500kg, which are calculated firstly by the vehicle’s weight, the number of axles and its emissions classification where relevant. Most motorhomes will be classified as rigid goods vehicles, with vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg charged at £165 for 12 months and 7500kg to 11,999kg vehicles at £200 for 12 months.

Motorhomes at 12,000kg and upwards have an additional levy applied depending on their emissions rating, so for a vehicle between 12,000kg and 14,000kg the charge is £189.50 for a Euro VI-compliant engine, and £221 for Euro V to 0.

Reading that Honest John article, VED for motorhomes is a bit of a minefield.

gerdo

Thanks, just doesn't make sense to me that a much heavier vehicle would be cheaper to tax.