Demonisation of diesels "is unfair" 08 | 11 | 2017
DRIVERS BELIEVE THE recent demonisation of diesels is unfair. Yet those same drivers are allowing it to directly influence their next choice of car, according to a report by the RAC. (Related: Sales of diesel cars in Scotland slump 29.5% in October)
A majority of motorists (53%) agree with the assertion that the Government is unfairly targeting diesel car drivers as a key source of air pollution. Only 18% disagree.
The report also concluded that any local or national government plans that appear to demonise all diesel cars — rather than focus directly on tackling older, more polluting vehicles — are likely to meet with overwhelming public disapproval.
It’s worth highlighting that only 36% of drivers agree that diesel vehicles are the main source of local air pollution in urban areas, while 24% disagree and 29% are unsure.
But not surprisingly, the findings also highlight that as a result of the ‘diesel demonisation’, only 16% of respondents are “most likely to buy a vehicle with a diesel engine” the next time they make a purchase. That’s a significant fall on the 28% recorded in 2016.
And while more than two-thirds (68%) of drivers support stronger action to reduce pollution from vehicles in areas with the poorest air quality, motorists would prefer to see any penalties or charges explicitly linked to how much a vehicle is contributing to the problem.
More than half (57%) of respondents to the RAC Report on Motoring 2017 agree with the introduction of charges in certain areas for diesel vehicles that do not comply with the latest emissions standards (no change from 2016). The same proportion support banning more polluting vehicles from areas where air quality is poorest.
Significantly, only 42% agree with the introduction of charges for all diesel vehicles – regardless of emissions levels – that enter such areas.
Finally, one major point to consider. The Government estimates vehicles, on average, contribute around 65% of the nitrogen dioxide (60% in London) emitted in the areas of poorest air quality. While the majority of roadside emissions are generated by diesel vehicles, diesel cars contribute only around a third of this (a quarter in London).
Related: UK new car sales fall for seventh month
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Jim McGill