Lord Drayson's scrappage scheme must not “reward” cheating carmakers, say Greens

1 October 2015

Green Party local transport spokesperson Caroline Russell has urged the government to spend any fines given to car manufacturers that have cheated emissions tests on improving public transport and walking and cycling facilities.

Her comments came in response to former Labour science minister Lord Drayson's call for a scrappage scheme to allow diesel owners to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.

Russell said:

“Lord Drayson is right to acknowledge the promotion of diesel cars was a massive mistake and that diesel cars are 'literally killing people'. However, it is vital that the scrappage scheme he calls for must not reward cheating carmakers with new profits.

“We urgently need an air pollution plan that works but we shouldn't make the mistake of just focussing on cleaner vehicles. We must take this opportunity to rethink how we travel in towns and cities by spending any fines levied against cheating carmakers on ensuring everyone has access to convenient networks of public transport and on prioritising space for walking and cycling to help people to get some exercise as they travel.

“It is not just polluted air that is killing people. Physical inactivity and road death and injury contribute to soaring NHS bills. Our towns and cities could have cleaner air and safer, less congested streets if we can see beyond simply replacing diesel cars with hybrids.”

Back to main news page