Green Party: Ford’s scrappage scheme will only clean up its own image

The Green Party has responded to news Ford has launched a diesel scrappage scheme [1], saying what is really needed to clean up the UK’s air is a proper plan from the Government including a national scrappage scheme and investment in public transport, walking and cycling.

The Government’s clean air strategy, announced in July this year, did not include a scrappage scheme to help people get rid of their dirty diesel vehicles [2].

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, said:

"We shouldn't put our health in the hands of car makers or rely on their altruism to have a right to clean air. Any scrappage is welcome, but Ford’s scheme doesn’t go far enough for long enough to make a real difference to much more than the company’s own image. 

"Instead of the scatter gun schemes we are seeing at the moment, there must be a coherent plan from the Government to clean up our toxic air including a national scrappage scheme to help people get rid of their dirty diesel vehicles, as well as investment in public transport, walking and cycling."

Notes:

1. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-41005208?ocid=socialflow_twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=twitter

2. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/26/governments-air-quality-plan-is-cynical-headline-grabbing-say-critics