The Conservatives are shortly expected to reveal the full details of a plan, whereby diesel drivers will receive compensation if they voluntarily scrap their cars. The initiative represents one of many radical new measures, geared towards improving air quality across the United Kingdom.
As has been the case with a variety of similar schemes before, the government has made clear its intention to take aim at diesel drivers. Not with penalties or mandatory scrappage requirements, but instead the potential to cash-in their old cars and upgrade to something more environmentally friendly. It isn’t yet known exactly what the scheme will look like, but it is widely expected that diesel drivers will be offered a minimum of £1,000 in compensation for scrapping their cars.
The government had initially intended not to publish even its provisional plan prior to the upcoming general election, having stated that they did not want it to affect the outcome. They stated that the plan could be seen as highly controversial and therefore may be distracting for the public, with Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom having gone so far as to say publishing the initial proposal would be ‘inappropriate’.
However, the high court ruled that the current air pollution crisis in the United Kingdom represents a public health emergency, therefore insisted that the proposal be published as early as possible. That decision by the high court came shortly after a report revealed that excessive air pollution is now killing at least 64 people in the UK, every single day.
The government stated that it would not appeal against the decision of the high court, meaning that initial details of the plan should be made available very soon.
‘We have looked at the judgment from last week and we will not be appealing,’ the prime minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster media briefing.
‘We will publish at the earliest opportunity after local election purdah is over and before the deadline.’
Environmental groups have welcomed the decision of the high court and compliance on the part of the government.
‘We’re delighted the government has decided to stop dithering and delaying and look forward to seeing its air quality plans after the local elections,’ said ClientEarth CEO James Thornton.
‘We’ll be analysing these plans and making sure they are up to scratch. We must see truly robust measures, including a national network of clean air zones to keep the dirtiest diesel vehicles away from pollution hotspots in our towns and cities.’
Tory MP and chairman FairFuel commented that in the current climate in particular, the way forward is not to punish diesel drivers with additional levies and premiums.
‘’Drivers were encouraged to buy diesels by the last Labour government,’ he said.
‘So it would be wrong for Labour Mayors and councils to fleece them for more taxes. What’s needed is action on clapped out buses and a scrappage scheme to get the oldest and dirtiest cars off the road.’
