More here:
http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?t=111103
But my take on it, is:
The new VED does FOUR main things:
1) Punish higher CO2 emitters (same old same old), but as all new cars have become cleaner, the same tax take requires band re-pricing (or the VED will eventually raise nothing)
but, additional new thinking is
2) Only do this for the first year - this is to reflect the biggest environmental impact of a car is its production, and only the first owner is responsible for this and any subsequent owners should NOT be encouraged to scrap an already built car just because the road tax is too high
3) All cars use the road, so only subsidised all-electric (ZEV) get a free ride now.
4) Charge a premium on expensive cars >£40k RRP and only for the first six years [technically years 2-6] - ie taxed on apparent ability to pay, which must be better than taxing those not able to pay, again any subsequent owners should NOT be encouraged to scrap an already built car just because the road tax is too high
PS
a 991 Turbo S currently costs £2,090 for the first six years, from next year it will cost £3,450 for the first six years.
BUT, after year six, the VED is just £140 vs current £290
a 991 GT3 currently costs £3,6250 for the first six years, from next year it will cost £4,250 for the first six years.
BUT, after year six, the VED is just £140 vs current £505