Scrappage incentive misses the green mark

Following the announcement of the introduction of a scrappage scheme, as part of the Budget report, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk has spoken of its disappointment that the measure is not expected to include a cap on CO2 emissions for new cars eligible under the scheme.

TheGreencarWebsite.co.uk’s editor, Faye Sunderland says: “Without setting a limit on the CO2 emissions of the new cars bought under this scheme, it makes a mockery out of the government’s said commitment to developing this country as a leader in green motoring.

“The scrappage incentive is now meaningless as it will not necessarily encourage the sale of greener cars. It is senseless to introduce the scheme in such a way.”

Ahead of the Budget announcement, TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk polled the opinion of website visitors to find there was a great deal of public support for the introduction of a scrappage scheme, with 74 per cent voting in favour of the move. However with the news that it could well be used to subsidise gas-guzzlers, Faye adds: “I doubt our website visitors would speak so whole-heartedly of their support for the scheme now that they know it will not include a focus on the greenest cars available on the market.”