Scrappage scheme reduces carbon emissions

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have announced that the average carbon emissions of new cars were reduced by 5.4 per cent last year, as drivers were able to sell a car for cash off the purchase price of a new model.

Emissions were reported to have dropped dramatically due to the scrappage scheme, which provided £2,000 off a new vehicle, when buyers 'sold' ie: traded in their old car to the garage in which they were purchasing their new vehicle.

The Guardian reports that new cars emitted 149.5g of carbon dioxide per km in 2009 - which was a 5.4 per cent reduction of the carbon emissions of new cars in 2008. The SMMT has commented that this is the biggest reduction on record, with the scrappage scheme a 'key contributor' to lower emissions.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of the SMMT, said of the reduction: ''The industry is well on its way to meeting EU regulatory targets of a 130g/km fleet average by 2015, but the current rate of improvement must be maintained.''

Indeed, last year, the emissions of new cars purchased through the government's scrappage scheme was 26 per cent below the average of the scrapped car. Meanwhile, average new car emissions are down by 21.2 per cent compared to 1999.

Everitt commented that despite the end of the scrappage scheme this month, initiatives still need to be in place to continue the carbon emission reduction, saying: ''Building consumer awareness and delivering effective mechanisms to influence buying behaviour through a long-term environmental tax regime and the government's recent ultra low carbon incentive scheme will become increasingly important.''

Andrew Maynard, Sheffield, Porsche 911 Carrera

David Simpson, Wetherby, Mini Cooper