More than half (51 per cent) of all UK drivers are unaware of impending changes to vehicle excise duty (VED), which will come into effect from April 1st.

New data published by vehicle recovery and breakdown specialist the AA has shown how drivers could face hundreds of pounds of extra costs in car tax as a result of their vehicle's green credentials – but many motorists remain blissfully unaware of this fact.

There will be winners and losers across the board. For example, owners of vehicles with a list price of more than £40,000 will pay an additional £310 charge for the first five years of ownership.

As a result, the AA recommends anyone purchasing a new vehicle pay close attention to their delivery date. AA president Edmund King explained: "If you've got a new car on order, especially if the delivery date is around the end of March or beginning of April, we'd advise checking the cost of VED under both schemes.

"Moving the delivery date, either forwards or backwards depending on the car, could save you hundreds of pounds."

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: "VED changes will impact all UK new car owners during the coming months, so it pays to be clued up on how these changes will affect you directly."