Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, has agreed to introduce a road toll for foreign registered cars driving in the country.

The plan would mean that Britons heading into the country in UK vehicles could have to pay up to £112 (130 euros) to gain access to the road network.

If enforced, the German government said it expected the toll to generate around £430 million (500 million euros) per year in revenue from foreign drivers.

Toll for foreign drivers: German parliament has agreed to introduce a controversial road toll for private cars in the country, though only foreign drivers will have to pay

The decision received backing in Berlin on Friday.

It follows previous plans approved in 2015 that would have seen the introduction of a road-charging system that hit foreign motorists the hardest - a scheme that was vetoed by the European Commission on discriminatory ground that went against EU rules.

The Commission, however, cleared the way for the draft law after some changes were made that would benefit foreigners on short journeys and those driving more environmentally-friendly cars, according to Reuters reports.

Under the existing proposals, the amount paid by drivers would vary depending on the emissions levels of the vehicle they're piloting.

That means greener cars would not have to pay the full amount, which is capped at 130 euros for a year's pass to drive on German tarmac.

German drivers would also need to pay, but will receive a rebate on their vehicle taxes in exchange.

The plans are yet to be set in stone; they will have to progress through the German legislative process before the toll is implemented, and are likely to receive some opposition from within the country.

Potentially leading the objection would be Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who has previously refused to accommodate requests from the Bundesrat - the states' chamber - to make exceptions to the toll for border areas.

The German government said the toll system would generate up to £430million a year from foreign drivers

While the law does not need to be approved by the Bundesrat, the western border states Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate have already said they will contact a mediation committee set up to liaise between the two parliamentary chambers, causing a stumbling block for the plans go-ahead.

A potential hold-up could mean the toll is not implemented before the next federal election in September, which could ultimately scupper the plans altogether.

Until now, Germany has been one of the few European countries that doesn't charge cars to use its motorways, though it does have a toll system for trucks.

Neighbouring nations, including France, Austria and Switzerland all have tolls for private cars, but unlike the controversial German plans do not distinguish between foreigners and nationals.

Many driving enthusiasts are attracted to the country in their own vehicles to experience the delimited sections of motorway, which make up 65 per cent of the entire Autobahn network.

RAC European breakdown spokesman Simon Williams said: 'While the so-called ‘foreigner toll’ on autobahns still has to be approved by Germany’s upper house of parliament it is a major change any motorist planning a visit needs to be aware of.

'Many countries in Europe make charges for motorway use but this one will link engine size and emissions to toll levels.

'Although the scheme will operate via an annual fee for residents, tourists visiting Germany will be able to buy 10-day tolls from €2.50 to €25, depending on the size and environmental-friendliness of their vehicle, or a two-month toll of between €7 and €50, determined by the same criteria.'