Daily Express readers have vented their anger in a poll which reveals that the majority of people believe a diesel ban shouldn’t happen.
In the poll of over 15,000 people, it was revealed that 80 per cent of readers didn’t want diesel cars to be banned.
One of the main issues surrounding the scheme was the fact that back in 2001, the Government actively encouraged Brits to invest in a diesel car.
The reason for this was down to the fact that diesel cars emit significantly less CO2 emissions than petrol equivalents.
However, diesel cars emit several more harmful toxins including nitrogen dioxide which has been link to breathing and respiratory problems, and is particularly a risk in children and the elderly.
Another poll revealed that 92 per cent of Express readers believe that Chris Grayling and the Government should give diesel owners a full refund if they are required to switch.
Initial rumours about the scheme alluded to the UK potentially following a similar French system which offers drivers £8,500 to switch to an eco car.
However a new figure of £3,500 proposed by Sadiq Khan as an incentive to scrap their car and purchase an electric model, looked to be more realistic.
Research by car buying website BestCarforMyBudget.com revealed that 61 per cent of drivers felt that they believed the figure offered was too low.
These drivers wanted the figure to be increased to between £5,000 and £9,999 while 37 per cent wouldn’t swap unless the figure exceeded £10,000.
A further 17 per cent of those surveyed said they could not be tempted to swap their diesel at all.
It’s not all good news however, with Chancellor Philip Hammond revealing that the government is considering introducing a new “tax treatment for diesel vehicles”.
It is believed that the scrappage scheme may be introduced in Autumn statement.
Guy Morris, director at BestCarforMyBudget.com, says that it would be unrealistic to ask diesel motorists with newer models to fund the purchase of an electric car without a more significant contribution from the government, together with a major improvement in the availability of charging points.
“Even with the announced plans to review tax policies, diesel drivers are still keeping their fingers crossed that we’ve seen the end of the scrappage idea”, says Morris.
“Air pollution, particularly in cities must of course be addressed but the government must also be sensitive to the thousands of people who bought diesel cars on their recommendation and who won’t automatically be inclined to now scrap those cars as a result of a sudden change in policy”.
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