The initiative is expected...

The initiative is expected to be rolled out across dealers in time for September"s new 55 registration and, although voluntary, all the makers have signed up to it. Cars will be graded according to C02 emissions and categorised into six coloured bands - similar to the system used for fridges. This information will be displayed in the windscreen, along with data such as likely annual fuel costs.

But while our poll suggests labelling will affect buyers" decisions, the RAC Foundation"s Edmund King thinks otherwise. "What interests people is running costs, not CO2 emissions," he said. "I am sure some will avoid the more polluting models when they see their fuel bill in black and white."