FLEET drivers are still widely unaware of the looming introduction of CO2-based benefit-in-kind tax, despite warnings it could cost them dearly if they drive the 'wrong' type of car.

Amid widespread ignorance of the changes, even those in the know still said they would not affect their choice of car.

Christopher Prole, leisure and recreation manager for Essex County Council, said: 'I look at the practicalities of the car, not the economics, so it would not affect me anyway. However, I had not heard about the plans.'

Roger Gardener, area manager for the council's Highways Transportation Department, said: 'I knew it was changing, but I have not done my homework on it. I will come up with a wish-list of cars and then look at how they are affected by tax.'

However, work by Essex County Council to inform staff about the new tax regime by providing tax experts at the ride and drive day appeared to be working.

The council has provided a list for drivers that shows their tax liability for three years after CO2-based com-pany car tax is introduced to try to raise awareness of the tax.