LowCVP has explained the April VED changes by highlighting updates to the fuel economy and emissions label shown on every new car.

The changes, which are already in effect, includes additional air quality information featured on the new car labels.

LowCVP’s managing director Andy Eastlake said: “At the moment, we know that car buyers are becoming confused and overwhelmed by the new technologies and changes within the automotive industry and the policies across the country.

“Our focus is on providing the relevant information they need in an easily digestible format that enables them to choose the right low emission vehicle.

"This change to the ‘new car label’ is a small but important first part of this transition.”

Only diesel cars meeting future stricter emission standards will be exempt from the new ‘diesel VED supplement’ that came into force on April 1.

Drivers will know if the car is liable for the charge thanks to a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the new car label, which is determined by a new ‘real driving emissions’ (RDE) test.

Vehicles that pass this test achieve the ‘Euro 6d’ standard of air quality and are exempt from the new ‘diesel VED supplement’.

There are currently no new diesel cars on sale that meet this stricter standard, meaning all new diesels will pay the additional VED.

The new ‘diesel VED supplement’ is only payable for the first year a car is registered and the amount is shown clearly on the new car label. This is then included within the overall on-the-road purchase price of a new car.

Whilst almost no cars are currently certified to the stricter ‘Euro 6d’ standard, every new petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric car on sale today meets the minimum Euro 6c air quality standards, which is shown on the new label.

This means they will currently be able to drive in any planned clean air zones, when they appear.