Drivers support diesel scrappage scheme, survey shows

Around two-thirds of UK road users would support a scrappage scheme for older diesel vehicles in an effort to remove polluting vehicles from the roads, according to a survey by IAM RoadSmart.

The survey by the UK road safety charity asked respondents to rate the various options put forward in the government’s recent nitrogen dioxide consultation but found that only three per cent of respondents are confident that the proposed measures solve the problem quickly.

Over 1,400 people across the UK took part in the survey which found that 64 per cent said they supported a diesel scrappage scheme, compared to 27 per cent who did not.

Most wanted any scheme to apply to cars over eight years old.

Some 83 per cent of those surveyed by IAM RoadSmart agreed with the government’s view retro-fitting buses, coaches, HGVs, vans and black cabs with new equipment should be the priority.

However, those surveyed felt the driver as an individual also has a responsibility to drive in a more eco-friendly manner.

Seventy-five per cent agreed that encouraging drivers to change their driving behaviour should play a part in the government’s approach to tackling air quality.

Sarah Sillars, IAM RoadSmart chief executive officer, said: “It is clear to me that the public at large feel the government needs to be decisive and proactive when it comes to making our air quality better. They see strong government direction as key to making sure it happens.

“We must not forget that drivers themselves have a part to play in the way they drive – it is within the power of each of us to become better and more eco-friendly driver and our responsibility to do so.”