Cash payments to convince motorists who reside in pollution hotspots to quit their diesel vehicles might be part of a new scrappage plan under the government’s air quality plans, due to be published this week.
Downing Street has actually been mulling the concept after being forced to produce a new air quality strategy following a court judgment, which stated present proposals to fulfill EU-mandated air quality limits were not enough.
Under the strategies, the scrappage plan might motivate drivers to quit their diesel cars if they live in towns or cities with specific intense pollution issues. There had been reservations about the concept of a scrappage scheme over fears it would be providing handouts to rich diesel owners who wish to buy a brand-new car.
It seems that there is a growing sense in government that a significant policy will have to be presented to convince people to give up diesel automobiles, which emit nitrogen oxides that add to health problems such as asthma.
It is understood that conversations are continuous about the scrappage plan and other aspects of the plan to decrease use of diesel automobiles, despite the fact that the deadline for producing a new file is simply over a week away, on 24 April.
The concept of a customized plan has been backed by Neil Parish, chair of the Commons environment committee, who will refer to a debate on Wednesday to raise the proposal.
A poll by the AA in February discovered that just more than two-thirds of motorists would support a diesel scrappage scheme, with 10% opposed. Other procedures might consist of more low-emission zones or “toxin taxes” on diesel automobiles driving in pollution hotspots.