Diesel cars could become target of clean air scrappage scheme

Government officials are working on plans to offer a cash incentive for replacing an old diesel car with a low-emission vehicle, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Concern over the impact of diesel cars on nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels were raised by the Volkswagen emissions scandal in September 2015.

It emerged that 11 million Volkswagen diesel vehicles around the world had been fitted with software to release fewer smog-causing pollutants during tests than in real-world driving conditions.

Analysis by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) found that NO2 is estimated to be responsible for 23,500 deaths in the UK each year.

Greenpeace UK policy adviser Rebecca Newsom claimed a scrappage scheme could have “an important impact” in tackling the UK’s “filthy air”.

Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said such a programme would have to target specific vehicles and take into account how much they are currently being driven in areas with poor air quality.

He added: “The risk is that a scheme could quickly run up a huge bill for the Exchequer, have only marginal impact in problem areas, and falter in encouraging the take-up of electric cars because the charging infrastructure isn’t really in place to support their widespread use.”

A Government spokeswoman did not confirm that a scrappage scheme is being considered, but said air quality plans are being developed and there will be an update later this year.

The creation of clean air zones is a key part of the work.

The spokeswoman added: “We are firmly committed to improving the UK’s air quality and cutting harmful emissions.”