50% of those considering buying a new car and polled by Direct Line said they are now much less likely to purchase a high-emission vehicle in the future.  A further 14 per cent said it made it a little less likely.  Only 9 per cent remained unmoved by Darling’s efforts to push the green agenda to motorists.

The swing in public opinion was as dramatic as Darling could have hoped for; in February 16 per cent of drivers said they were planning to buy a 4x4 or people carrier this year. Thanks to this new showroom tax, Darling seems to have succeeded in making people think twice before they hand over a cheque for a new car.

Men are more likely to be swayed by the tax with nearly three quarters (68 per cent) less likely to purchase as opposed to only 60 per cent of women. That’s an interesting fact. Normally us females are the stringent purse string keepers.

Those aged 55 and over are much more affected by the tax with nearly two thirds (60 per cent) saying they are much less likely to purchase a high-emission vehicle compared to only 44 per cent of those aged between 18 and 34.  While the Welsh are more likely to be influenced by the tax with 57 per cent saying the announcement would affect their decision compared to only 42 per cent of Londoners.

Whoever this affects it does not really matter. What does matter is again our freedom of choice is being blighted by this greedy government.