Motor Industry Body Welcomes Theresa May Commitment to Helping Drivers of Older Diesels

“It’s all been about ‘stick’ rather than ‘carrot’ so far”, continued Steve Nash.  “Whilst it makes sense to steer car owners away from diesel, it currently seems all about putting cost on them rather than accepting some of the financial burden centrally.
 
“A scrappage scheme, or some other form of incentive to soften the cost of change, would be fairer and help to accelerate the process.  As would a commitment from the Government to make the cost of ownership of electrics and hybrids more palatable.
 
“The IMI has been campaigning for some time for the Government to allocate some of the millions that’s currently being put to increasing charging points, to supporting the training of motor retailers in being able to maintain and service these vehicles.  Until this is addressed, insurance and servicing costs will mean electric vehicles stay out of the reach of many drivers and the clean air target won’t be achieved.  And that probably means, despite various politicians’ best efforts to deter interest in diesels, these will continue to be seen as the most fuel efficient alternative, keeping them on our roads in significant numbers for decades to come.”