New car tax rules mean drivers could be forced to pay ‘hundreds more’

The charges are coming into effect soon.

The government, in a helpful gesture, have warned motorists that new updated tax rules will be 'challenging' and it will be more difficult to qualify for the tax-free band. Thank you, the government, for this information. One round of applause please. One single clap. A new three-band tax system for cars was introduced last year. However, everyone has likely forgotten because it's car tax and we have more pressing concerns, such as "why is my fantasy football team cursed?" and "why am I bottom of my fantasy football league?". The change means that many motorists who bought a new car last year will see the second-year changes apply to them. Those who drive new diesel cars will be the worst hit by the rule changes. [caption id="attachment_162629" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit Getty[/caption] This year, all new diesel cars face moving up a band from April 1st if they do not meet the latest Euro 6 testing standards. Depending on the vehicle, the potential fee could be anywhere from zero to £2,000. Experts have predicted that the Ford Focus could see a £20 increase in the first-year rate, whilst the Porsche Cayenne could increase by £500 in tax. The good news is that the charges will only apply to diesel vehicles - not commercial vehicles or vans. Other than that, the first year system based on CO2 emissions is still in place. Vehicles with zero emissions will pay nothing; vehicles eating up fuel can pay up to £2000. There is a sliding scale in between, which sounds quite fun, but probably isn't. After the first year the cost is £140 for diesel and petrol vehicles, and £130 for alternative fuel users. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have stated that: “Euro 6 standards impose the toughest vehicle emissions limits yet, pushing the boundaries of emissions technologies to produce ever-lower levels of the exhaust pollutants that impact air quality."