Motorists are being reminded that the new vehicle tax rates will be enforced for all cars and some motor homes registered from April 1 this year.

DVLA bosses say the changes will affect those thinking of changing their cars rather those who will keep the vehicles that they have.

Under the changes vehicle tax for the first year will stay based on CO2 emissions, but after the first year the amount of tax to pay will depend on the type of vehicle.

DVLA vehicle service manager, Rohan Gye, said: “These changes won’t affect any vehicles that are registered before April 1, 2017.

“So, for anyone who already owns a car or is thinking of buying a used car the rates of tax will not be changing.

“However, anyone considering buying a new car that will be first registered from April 1 should check the vehicle tax rates table on gov.uk to find out how much they’ll pay.

“The new tax rates are £140 a year for petrol or diesel vehicles, £130 a year for alternative fuel vehicles and £0 a year for vehicles with zero C02 emissions.”