Pictures of my T5 Camper Conversion

Post 1

Hi all, I'm in the same position as Kevin H and looking to buy a new California soon. The dealer quoted the VED at £205 (pre 2008 budget) but other dealers have told me that the VED rate they apply across the board for "motor homes/camper vans" is a flat rate of £180! Can anyone help me with what they were charged and what category did their California get put in, "car, light goods "or.....?

Regards

David g

Post 2

RE: California VED Rate? by david g - written 03/04/2008 08:51:35
Hi again, as promised I show the final reply from DVLA to my enquiry for VED rate reg VW California

" Thank you for your email.

I hope the following advice is helpful.

Since 2001 passenger vehicles with up to 8 passengers must be licensed in the Grad Ved tax class if the CO2 emissions are available. Motorhomes will only be licensed as PLG if the CO2 emissions are unavailable at 1st Registration. They do not currently require Type Approval so can be registered without.

Regards

Helen Coleman
www.direct.gov.uk/motoring"

This answer addresses the issue of the Motor Caravan Dealers being able to class all their vehicle as PLG and enjoy the much lower VED rates.

david g

Post 3

RE: California VED Rate? by Nick@TheVwCalifornia - written 16/03/2008 19:16:27


Hi guy's,



for your info, from Vw's brochure (pre 2008 budget) they reckon that California 130 & 174's are band F, which means £205. Unfortunately (for us as we've got one) if you have the tiptronic or 4 motion, it takes it to a band G, which is £300, and that is what we were charged last year. Interesting about the Motorhome UK comments though, I think that there has got to be a good argument for a flat rate motorhome VED, I'll watch with interest.



Cheers,



Nick

Post 4

RE: California VED Rate? by Darren - written 15/03/2008 18:29:40


Hi David

Have just picked up my new California (174 PD) and paid £205 VED, as the CO2 emissions just sneak under the higher VED band. I understand older Californias' ( built pre-late 2007) fall into the higher band, £400 I think. The registration certificate states 'taxation class' as 'diesel car'. Hope this helps.

Regards

Darren

Post 5

RE: California VED Rate? by david g - written 15/03/2008 19:29:16
Hi Darren, thanks for that, yes it did help me! I'll report back in due course but I believe that a direct manufactured vehicle not a "conversion" and described as such +Euro 4 emissions becomes a 'light goods vehicle" catagory Tc 36 and as such is rated a VED flat rate of £180 (pre budget 2008). I have an enquiry in with DVLA and will let you know their answer. Below is an extract on the same subject from "Motorhomes UK" Sept 2007 for your info




excerpt from the UK Motorhomes.net
information page:
What road tax (VED) should I be paying?
This is a somewhat complicated area,
particularly for new motorhomes which have
'European Whole Vehicle Type Approval' . We
are in contact with the DVLA in an attempt to
clarify the requirements, and hoped to be
presenting a resume here, however despite
repeated reminders over 5 months the DVLA
Policy Unit have so far been unable to give us a
definitive statement of policy on allocating VED
bands to type approved motorhomes. We live in
hope that an answer will be forthcoming one
day. In the meantime, despite what appears to
be required under the Graduated VED rules
(where the VED rate is determined by the
certified CO2 emissions), most new European
Whole Vehicle Type Approved motorhomes are
being placed in the PLG taxation class (if up to
3500kg) or PHGV (if over 3500kg). Motorhomes
that do not have Type Approval do not fall
within the Graduated VED scheme.

Post 6

David started this thread but what is the latest as I have read that someone has successfully changed the VED rating. See http://ukmotorhomes.net/motorhome_road_tax.shtml

Seems straight forward, has anyone done this yet ?

Post 7

Hi Kevin,
I did actually start to look into this a couple of months ago when I saw the first thread. I contacted DVLA by phone, and after getting batted around from pillar to post I was told that for 'any' vehicle manufactured after 2001, VED rate would be set on emissions, hence the higher rate. Despite quoting the previous article I was given a straight NO, however, as the young lady I had spoken to had never even heard of the Vw California, I didn't accept this as a definitive answer and intended taking it up in writing. Unfortunately, I've never got round to it, however, my tax is up in September and with a £400 bill looming I'll definitely be seeking an answer prior to that, like you, if anyone has been successful I'd love to know.

Post 8

this link may be of use:-

http://www.ukmotorhomes.net/motorhome_road_tax.shtml

it seem they should be registered as motorhomes and not in the VED bands.

Post 9

Anyone else done this yet?

Will the new tax rules kill off this discount?

Im going to have to try it out.

Post 10

Went to local DVLA office today and they new about the California as they had done one before. However the Office Manager had been told off by Policy for doing it themselves. So they have kindly sent my Reg document off to DVLA Policy for amendment. I hope therefore to be £25 better off shortly and come the new rates a £125 better off.
I would suggest that if anyone else wants to do this that they write to DVLA policy using the information from Motorhomes.net

Post 11

Good work!
Thanks for the info.

Post 12

Visited my local DVLA office today,they agree that motorhomes should be registered as PLG, the manager here has also referred me to DVLA Swansea and said I need a letter from VW confirming the conversion was done prior to first registration.But if you have an office close I would certainly try as it seems to depend on the manager,even with this extra work its worth it to reduce my tax from £400 to £185.
I hope for anyone buying a new California that VW are now registering them correctly.

Post 13

I took my registration document into my local licencing office on monday and the girl immediately said that all motorhomes should be registered as PLG (or PHGV for larger ones) regardless of emissions. As she couldn't check the original form used by the dealer to register the vehicle she said she would contact Swansea and that they would send me a new Registration document, tax disc and refund in due course. I'll let you know when it happens.

It seems that any dealer, registering a new California, should declare it as a motorhome and PLG to get the £185 rate. I am going to write to VW to tell them they ought to be getting their brochure updated and their dealers instructed accordingly. It will influence potential customers in their choice of vehicle once they get it right!! I might have chosen a 174 rather than 130 although I have to say the performance of the 130 is quite adequate I think unless you want to tow an elephant!

I recommend all California owners to visit their local licencing office to get their registration changed.

Best wishes

Tim

Post 14

Just for your info guys, I contacted DVLA (again) a couple of weeks ago, in writing, for a definitive answer to put on the site, and hopefully, if the news is good, a more streamlined and consistant way of us all claiming back what is owed. I'm still waiting but will post the official response as soon as I get it!!

Post 15

Just stumbled across this continued thread - somewhat miffed as the UKMotorhomes page highlighted that a California had success in getting the correct VED rate applied and informed Carrs of Exeter. Guess where my 'bus' came from and who paid the Graduated VED rate rather than the PLG rate? Carrs and me!

DVLA Swansea suggest I send a letter, the UKMotorhomes article and my reg docs to my local DVLA office (Chelmsford). Will let you know speed of response.

Post 16

Hi Everyone - success

This morning I received a new registration document from Swansea - my California is now classified "PLG". (Current tax rate £185 per year!)

No refund received but that was not the priority. Renewal next year will be much cheaper and this change will be much more significant for those owners currently paying £400 for the Tiptronic or 4-motion!

Have a go!

Regards

Tim

Post 17

Just to back up the general feeling of optimism on this subject. Mine was incorrectly registered for 3 years. Went to DVLA local office at Portsmouth and after much debate they changed the bodytype to Motorhome. As for a change of taxation class to PLG I had to wait for a week.

A £45 refund arrived in the post to cover the incorrect tax for the last 3 years and it was confirmed that I should be on PLG. I will be saving £100 when it comes to tax it next year.

Post 18

HI All,
Just received a very disappointing letter back from DVLA Swansea, saying that they feel that my vehicle is classified correctly! Anyone got any suggestions for a department or person to send an appeal to ? I really can't believe that their records don't show these vehicles being re classified on a regular basis.

Post 19

Hi Ian
I suggest you take your registration document and your California to your nearest Local Vehicle Licencing Office and tell them it is a Motor Caravan and that it therefore should be classed as a PLG. If Motor Caravan is already mentioned on the registration document you should have no problem. If not, ask them to look at the van to confirm that it is one.

I got mine changed and have now written to Swansea asking for a £25 refund - I'll keep the forum posted!

Good luck

Tim

Post 20

I sent my V5 form and a covering letter to my local office. I was asked to return a V70(?) form (supplied), re-return my V5 together with my tax disc. Awaiting a response. Hopefully a one-stop method for refund and registration.

Post 21

Thanks to all who contributed to this thread. New registration documentation, new PLG tax disc and tax rebate all in hand. 2 week turnaround!

Post 22

Hi Guys,

I tried the above about two days ago, sent off all documents and had a reply today which stated that i now needed a letter from VW not the dealer stating that they have incorrectly registered the vehicle. So i contacted DVLA and was told that this is a very recent issue the only exception being BILBO.
Again dismayed i was informed that all Manufactures of motorcaravans have been recently told and that they need to correctly register vehicles. I was told by DVLA that our californias are PLG as they are under 3500kg revenue weight, and should not of been registered as disel cars.
I will now contact VW to see if i can get this letter to change tax. They gave no reason why BILBO was exempt.
Please let me know if anyone else has the same issue or whether its just cardiff, the lady stated it was a very recent issue after a lot of vehicles have been incorectly registered.

Post 23

Hi Guys,

I've been chasing DVLA since about May this year for an official response on this topic. Over the last week I have bombarded them with e-mails and phone calls until I finally got a response this morning from their policy department. I'm still trying to decipher it, but here it is;

I have been passed your e-mails about the above. You asked for clarification on the correct tax class that motorhomes should be licensed under, in particular the issue surrounding the Volkswagen California. Please accept my apologies for the delay in replying.

I can confirm that all motorhomes should be licensed in the 'PLG' or 'Private HGV' tax class (depending on the vehicle's weight) irrespective of whether evidence of type approval is presented at first registration. Unfortunately, I am aware of cases whereby motorhomes such as the VW California are licensed according to their CO2 emission figures in the Graduated VED scheme. The Grad VED scheme was only intended to capture cars (light passenger vehicles type approved as M1) as the majority of the traffic on the roads are passenger vehicles, with the ultimate aim of raising motorists’ awareness of the impact their cars can have on the environment and to influence vehicle purchasing choices in future.

Although type approval for motorhomes will not be mandatory until April 2011, the fact that VW are presenting such vehicles for registration on the basis of documentation showing the vehicle as being (voluntary) type approved as M1 (Special Purpose) has highlighted the need for extra clarity to be given as to what information is acceptable to allow a vehicle inclusion in the Grad VED scheme. As a result, I will shortly be advising our operational areas of the need for extra vigilance when presented with applications to register and license such motorhomes in the Grad VED tax class.

I hope this helps to clarify the situation.

Regards

Andrew Cann
Policy Casework and Advice (Vehicles)
Zone 1/D16
Policy and External Communications Directorate
DVLA
Tel: 01792 788582
GTN: 1213 8582
Fax: 01792 384515
e-mail: andrew.cann@dvla.gsi.gov.uk

I think what Andrew is saying is that the California is wrongly classified. I am awaiting a follow up e-mail to clarify what we need to do to get our vehicles correctly classified and of course, how we go about claiming back any monies owed!! I'll keep you updated or feel free to contact him above.....I did tell him I was going to post the answer on a forum...honest!!

Post 24

Further to this, I again contacted Andrew just to clarify a couple of points and to make sure my interpretation of his mail was correct and how we go about re-classifying our vehicles. This is the response he's just sent;

Hi Nick,

Sorry I missed your call earlier. Yes, you are correct in your
interpretation of my e-mail; VW Californias should not be licensed
according to their CO2 emissions.

As I mentioned earlier, I will shortly be arranging to write to our
Local Offices reminding them of the correct procedure, including the
keepers entitlement to a refund of the difference to be paid (if
applicable). I suggest that all applications to reclassify motorhomes
from Grad VED to 'PLG/Private HGV' be put on hold for a short period
until this information has been passed to our Local Offices. This will
ensure that all the offices are aware and should (hopefully) limit the
amount of rejections.

Of course, you are entitled to let your customers know the information
contained in our correspondence, however, I am unable to provide direct
guidance to such keepers.

I hope this helps to clarify the position.

Regards

Andrew Cann
Policy Casework and Advice (Vehicles)
Zone 1/D16

PosT3

I just sent my V5(?) together with a covering letter and attached the email article above which includes DVLA correspondence.

My V5 was returned together with a V70 which I was requested to fill out and return again with my V5 and my tax disc.

Tax disc returned in a week, V5 in 10 days and £25 refund in two weeks.

No issues with letter from dealers etc. Chelmsford DVLA rocks!

Post 26

Hi Foks,

Not happy with what has been said i took the issue up with VW this morning with Cathy Knowles the head of customer support. It took all day but she came back to me a short time ago.

Her and VW response was that they are aware of this issue and it stems from the California being based on the caravelle which falls under the diesel car band. Their computer systems which gives the DVLA all the info gives the incorrect tax class.

They are now in the process of amending this so that new Californias should be correctly registered. She stated its no fault of the dealers as they go off what germany tells them. She also stated that a letter will be going out to all california owners stating that they are aware of this problem and will be dealing with it.

They are in talks with the DVLA over how best to reclassify all the californias that havent been changed and they will inform owners accordingly. The reason why BILBO is exempt is that the base vehicle is not a caravelle and is therefore a PLG.

Vw stated that they would like to thank all owners who have brought this to their attention and appologise to owner who have already changed theirs.

she also updated me about uk sockets so go to that post if your interested.

Post 27

It may be that the DVLA's confusion is a result of Note 2 in the aforementioned article.

"Note 2
In cases where incorrect details were provided at first registration, for example when a N1 goods vehicle was converted to a motor caravan before registration and the converter copied the details from the N1 Certificate of Conformity for the purposes of registration, the DVLA is able to change tax classes if sufficient evidence is provided to warrant the change. Each case will be judged on its merits."

Given the California is not converted, but made as such then a letter should not be required.

DVLA SWANSEA ADVISED ME TO SEND THE ARTICLE (SEE BELOW FOR EASE) ALONG WITH MY REQUEST. THE ARTICILE IS SELF EXPLANATORY AND ALREADY INCLUDES DVLA COMMENT. I HAD ZERO ISSUES AND AS PREVIOUSLY STATED A 2-WEEK TURNAROUND.

http://www.ukmotorhomes.net/motorhome_road_tax.shtml

Post 28

HI Steve,

When i spoke with the DVLA they stated i had completed everything correctly. She stated that their had been a recent influx of reclassifications and rather have all owners of motorhomes contact the DVLA they wanted the owners to put pressure on the manufactures to get the issue resolved as they had warned manufactures to sort the issue out and nothing had been done. She would not name manufactures. However once i contacted VW they immediately stated that they would try and sort it for all owners.
If only i had been a couple of weeks earlier.

Nevermind as long as its sorted before next year i dont mind.

Regards GI

Post 29

I received my new (amended) registration document a month ago, but no refund, so I wrote to Swansea asking for £25 refund. Yesterday I got a call from my local vehicle licencing office apologising for Swansea's delay in sending refund - the lady had received a "snotty" phone call from Swansea as I think they are being swamped by California owners!

Received a new tax disc this morning from local office with a covering letter saying cheque would follow within approx. 2 weeks from Swansea. RESULT!

Well done everyone.

Tim

Post 30

Well done tim rub it in!!!!

Regards GI