Scrappage scheme criticised

Apr 16 2009

Plans to introduce a £2,000 incentive to motorists to replace their old, environmentally-unfriendly cars with newer models has been attacked by the Environmental Transport Agency (ETA).

The government is expected to introduce the new scrappage scheme in the near future in an effort to cut the carbon emissions being produced by drivers on Britain's roads.

However, while the move could result in many people trading in their existing used cars for new models, the ETA has questioned the eco-friendly nature of the proposals.

"Car scrapping initiatives are often labelled green because some subsidise the purchase of fuel-efficient cars, but they routinely fail to take into consideration the amount of energy required to build a vehicle in the first place," the organisation said.

Andrew Davis, director at the ETA, suggested having more used cars on the road could in fact prove to be a greener option in the long run.

"Altering the way you drive and keeping a car longer can be a greener option than buying new," he explained.

The creation of a scrappage scheme in the UK could help to boost businesses across the country, for both car manufacturers and those dealing in scrap metal.

According to Crain's Manchester Business, Manchester-based car dealership group Lookers has seen its share price surge in recent weeks as investors anticipate an announcement on the scrappage scheme.

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