Shropshire Star

Drivers come out in support of diesel scrappage scheme

New survey has found that around two-thirds of motorists would like to see older diesel cars, van and lorries taken off the road

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UK motorists have revealed their support for a diesel scrappage scheme.

A new survey of more than 1,400 people found that two thirds would be happy to see older diesel cars, vans and lorries scrapped in an effort to take the most polluting vehicles off the road.

Most respondents wanted any scheme that was implemented to apply to cars over eight years old.

Sarah Sillars, chief executive of driving safety group IAM Roadsmart, 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.”

However, she added: “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 a better and more eco-friendly driver and it is our responsibility to do so.”

The survey found 83 per cent of people agreed with the government’s idea of retro-fitting buses, coaches, HGVs, vans and black cabs with new equipment to help tackle air quality.

“It is, however, clear that the car manufacturers have some way to go to rebuild trust with the public,” said Sillars. “It would seem that only when their environmental claims more closely match real-world performance that the trust will be on the increase. Reputations take years to build and moments to fall.”

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