Diesel vehicles facing ban in the UK

by Justine Iorga
Diesel cars could be looking at being banished in an effort to reduce air pollution
Diesel cars could soon be getting the scrap in the UK following a Supreme Court ruling the government must take necessary steps to reduce high levels of air pollution.
The news comes as the UK is looking at millions of pounds in fines from the European Commission for failing to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), as well as a hefty fine from the European Court of Justice for failing to reduce pollution levels.
As judges in Britain’s highest court met earlier this week, they demanded the Department of the Environment submit new air quality plans by the end of the year.
Over the past decade, the number of diesel cars on Britain’s roads has risen from 1.6 million to more than 11 million, meaning that diesel vehicles account for a third of cars. Environmental and motoring groups explained that diesel cars and trucks were being targeted because they emit the largest amount of nitrogen dioxide.
The ruling could provide a problem for caravanners that have a diesel tow car as they will be forced to essentially get rid of their vehicles.
President of the AA, Edmund King, believes that the 11 million motorists who were ‘misled’ into buying diesel cars during Gordon Brown’s ‘dash for diesel’ will feel betrayed if these vehicles get banished. King commented on the issue, saying: “There have been confusing messages and the goal now seems to have changed from encouragement to the demonising of diesel.
“This won’t just affect big polluting trucks, but taxi drivers and families with people-carriers as well. This could drive down the value of cars dramatically.
“We all want better air quality but knee-jerk reactions without considering the science will not help air quality, industry or drivers.”
Richard Gane, director and transport sector specialist at supply chain company Vendigital, spoke on this current issue saying: “If the Government decides to fast forward its plans to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, this would add weight to the growing environmental lobby against diesel-engine vehicles and potentially could lead to them being phased out, perhaps via an incentivised scrappage scheme.
“For businesses that rely on regular road transport deliveries, any movement away from diesel engine vehicles would have significant supply chain implications.”
As for Caroline Russell, Green Party Local Transport spokesperson, she believes that removing diesel cars is for the better stating: “Diesel vehicles, even the latest Euro 6 standard, are polluting and dangerous to our health. We must limit their use in towns and cities with ultra-low emission zones.”
The Department for the Environment declined to comment on this mixed debate due to the upcoming election, but they did manage to confirm that the government was committed to revising plans by the end of the year and complying with EU limits ‘in the shortest possible time.’
What do you think? Could this be a problem for caravanners and motorists all over the UK or would a potential change be for the better? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below.