REPORTS that Chancellor Gordon Brown may introduce a new top rate of vehicle excise duty for high emissions cars have been cautiously welcomed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

It was reported last week that business adviser Macintyre Hudson believed it was likely that the Chancellor would adopt proposals from the RAC Foundation to introduce a £200 top rate for cars producing more than 250g/km of CO2. Richard Tarboton, head of the EST’s transport business unit, said it was a positive move. He said: ‘The structure of the system is very good and it’s good to get that moving forward.

‘Although the rise of the top rate from £170 to £200 isn’t a big difference, it does send an important signal. Customers need to be aware of the environmental issues when they buy a new car.

‘The actual amount of money is another issue to be researched further.’

The Budget will be announced on Wednesday.