If, likely when, the UK Government announces a new car scrappage scheme in its budget on April 22nd, the potential environmental impact will be debated ad nauseum, or worse. So, before we get lost in the back and forth of it all, let’s go straight to the experts and find out the real score.
UK consumer advocate website cleangreencars.co.uk weighed in and the verdict is clear: a carefully targeted scrappage incentive for car owners could boost car sales while achieving a long-term reduction in CO2 emissions.
If a scrappage incentive (‘bangers for bucks’) scheme were available for new cars emitting under 130g/km of CO2 (the EU target for 2012), and, it were used to scrap cars which are at least 10 years old - cleangreencars calculations show that savings in CO2 output would more than balance the extra CO2 produced in the manufacture of the cars.
Who are we to argue that? What’s good for the environment is good for us all. Debate all you want, but you can’t possibly make an argument against that point. The cleangreencars numbers suggest that any short-term spike in CO2 output that would result from the scrappage of old cars and the manufacture of new cars is more than overridden by the additional low-emission cars. The national vehicle population would provide a net CO2 emissions reduction within six years time. Indications are that any government incentive scrappage plan would apply to cars and light vans that produce more than 150g/km CO2 and that are more than eight years old. If this is indeed the case, an even greater net benefit than stated above would occur, as a greater number of cars would be eligible for the offer.
It is expected that the scrappage scheme will allow consumers to take back approximately £2,000 from the value of their old car and put it towards a new or nearly-new, “greener” car. But will this incentive be enough to kickstart the entire sagging UK car industry? That’s a question for another blog. But far as the environment is concerned, the numbers show that the benefits of introducing a scrappage scheme in the UK is indisputable.
No debate required, actually. Your 2 cents are welcome below.
SOURCE: cleangreencars.co.uk | Vauxhall.co.uk
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