Labour backbenchers have urged Chancellor Alistair Darling to re-think plans announced in the Budget for big increases in vehicle excise duty on ‘gas guzzling’ cars.

Vehicles bought before 2001 are exempt, but MPs worry some owners who bought bigger cars in the past, not realising the changes were on the way, could face increases of up to £200, according to The Press Association.

More than 30 Labour backbenchers have signed a Commons motion, calling on ministers to re-think the proposals before the new rates come into force.

Ronnie Campbell, the Labour MP who tabled the motion, warned the impact of the increases could be similar to scrapping the 10p tax rate, he also called on Darling to drop the planned 2p increase in fuel duty due in October.

Further reading:

FSB calls on Chancellor for fuel duty relief