Plans to reward diesel motorists with £2,000 towards a new car has moved a step closer.
The move comes as Theresa May reportedly overruled ministers to demand the introduction of a diesel scrappage scheme.
It’s intended to lessen the impact of new plans to tackle air pollution by introducing a ‘toxin tax’ on older diesel vehicles when they enter 10 cities around the UK, the Mirror reports.
But the Prime Minister wants to introduce a scheme to give drivers a cash incentive to trade in their old motors for more environmentally friendly models.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom reportedly believe the scheme, which could cost up to £2billion, would be too expensive.
The ‘toxin tax’ could affect up to 10million drivers of pre-September 2015 diesel vehicles.
The plan, set to be unveiled this week, would slap drivers with a £20 a day charge to enter major cities.
Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom ’s plan followed a High Court ruling that the UK must improve urban air quality.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is going ahead with a toxicity charge. From April 2019 cars failing emission standards will have to pay £24 to drive in the city – a £12.50 levy on top of the £11.50 congestion charge.
He said more than 9,000 Londoners a year die prematurely from long-term exposure to air pollution.
He said: “The air in London is lethal and I will not stand by and do nothing.”
He said the measures are needed to help improve the air quality in the capital.
[“Source-coventrytelegraph”]