Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could spank fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

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• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical stir by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Trio billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical activity.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then produce targeted activity. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to supply improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Very likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people compelled to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the hard could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they very likely won’t be in Government to have to supply them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrified vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrified, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a meaty fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra tens unit needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrified by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could spank fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical stir by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Trio billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical act.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted activity. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to produce improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Very likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people compelled to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the rigid could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather tempo over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they most likely won’t be in Government to have to produce them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrified vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrical, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a phat fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra electrical play needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrified by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could smack fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical budge by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Three billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take act as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical activity.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted act. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to produce improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Very likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people compelled to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the rock hard could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather tempo over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they very likely won’t be in Government to have to produce them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrical vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrified, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a hefty fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra tens unit needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrified by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could smack fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical stir by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Trio billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take act as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical act.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted activity. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to supply improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Most likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people compelled to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the stiff could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they most likely won’t be in Government to have to supply them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrical vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrified, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a ample fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra electro-stimulation needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrical by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could spank fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical budge by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Trio billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that truly going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical act.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted act. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to produce improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Most likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people coerced to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the hard could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they most likely won’t be in Government to have to supply them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrified vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrical, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a gigantic fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra tens unit needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrical by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could smack fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical budge by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Three billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical activity.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted activity. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to supply improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Very likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people coerced to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the rock-hard could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they very likely won’t be in Government to have to produce them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrified vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrified, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a thick fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra electric current needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrified by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could spank fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical stir by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Three billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that truly going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical activity.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted act. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to produce improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Most likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people compelled to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the rock-hard could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they most likely won’t be in Government to have to supply them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we indeed ready for electrical vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrical, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a large fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra violet wand needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrified by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government s Clean Air Plan explained – Mirror Online

Should I sell my diesel car and is there a scrappage scheme? The government’s Clean Air Plan explained

Town halls could spank fresh taxes on polluting cars as diesel and petrol vehicles are banned by 2040. So what does it mean for you? Here’s the policy explained

• Share
• Comments

• 11:05, twenty seven JUL 2017

• Share
• Comments

Diesel cars could be banned from busy roads during rush hour as part of a crackdown on the most polluting vehicles.

A fresh ‘clean air’ strategy published by the Government today says councils must draw up plans over the next eight months to lower the level of harmful gases on their most polluting streets.

The plan will empower town halls to introduce road charging or ban heavily-polluting vehicles on the worst affected roads at busy times of the day.

Road tax could also be hiked for fresh diesel vehicles in measures to be announced in the Budget this autumn.

Read More

And it says all fresh traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale altogether by 2040, as hybrid and fully-electric vehicles become the norm.

But campaigners accused Ministers of attempting to divert attention by announcing policies decades into the future – while “passing the buck” to town halls to deal with pollution now.

Oliver Hayes of Friends of the Earth said: “This is a cynical budge by the Government to grab the headlines by announcing switches for twenty three years’ time and failing to enact measures which will curb pollution in UK towns and cities now. “

The chair of the Commons Environmental Audit Committee, Labour MP Mary Creagh, added: “Air pollution causes 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, but today’s plan shows the Government kicking the can down the road once more.

“This plan passes the buck to councils to deal with diesel cars, lacks detail on how the Government will substitute ancient diesel buses and trains now electrification has been scrapped, and is silent on who will set and enforce air pollution targets after we leave the EU.”

But Environment Secretary Michael Gove insisted air pollution is a “local” problem and that it is right to expect town halls to find a local solution.

“Today’s plan sets out how we will work with local authorities to tackle the effects of roadside pollution caused by dirty diesels, in particular nitrogen dioxide,” he said.

“This is one element of the Government’s £Three billion programme to clean up the air and reduce vehicle emissions.”

What is happening?

The Government has published a long-awaited strategy to tackle air pollution – and Ministers have the owners of heavily-polluting diesel vehicles in their glances.

Experts say 40,000 premature deaths are linked to air pollution in Britain every year. The High Court ordered Ministers to take activity as their current feeble efforts do not meet the legal requirement to keep people safe.

But why are diesel vehicles being targeted?

Older diesel vehicles are seen as among the worst generators of harmful nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution. But older petrol vehicles that do not meet basic emission standards will also be hit.

So what is the plan?

After months of Whitehall prevarication, Environment Secretary Michael Gove has effectively passed the buck – asking local councils to come up with solutions for the worst-affected roads in their areas. Each town hall has until next April to come up with a plan to cut pollution on any streets which exceed the legal limit for NO2.

What will that mean in practice?

Different things in different areas. Councils are being told to come up with “imaginative” ways to cut air pollution in the most heavily-polluted streets. In some areas road layouts could be switched to avoid congestion ‘pinch points’. Speed bumps could be ripped up traffic lights rewired. Drivers will be encouraged to switch to low-emission vehicles or use public transport. And buses will be upgraded or substituted with lower-emission models.

Is that indeed going to solve the problem?

No. In the worst affected areas council may introduce road charging or outright bans for the most polluting vehicles on their busiest roads. Ministers are desperate to stress this will be a last resort. But it means the owners of older diesel and petrol could find that their cars are actually banned from or charged for using their local main roads during busy periods in the future.

Where is this likely to happen?

London is leading the charge, Mayor Sadiq Khan has already announced a fresh £10-a-day ‘Toxicity charge’ covering all of central London from this October. He says the “vast majority” of vehicles built before two thousand six will be hit by the charge. So-called Clean Air Zones are also planned for Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton. Across the country Ministers say one hundred major roads in towns and cities across Britain are likely to still be missing key pollution targets by 2021, and will require radical act.

Who will pay for it?

Ministers have set aside £255million to help councils prepare their plans and then supply targeted activity. A further ‘Clean Air Fund’ will be set up for councils to bid for extra cash to produce improvements. And a £100million pot has been set aside specifically to make buses more environmentally.

Is that enough money?

Most likely not. Road tax – now known as vehicle excise duty – could be hiked for diesel owners in the autumn Budget to raise further funds.

Help! I own a diesel car. What am I supposed to do?

Good question. Ministers are promising help will be made available to those on lower incomes or people coerced to ditch their vehicles altogether. Some vehicle owners may be suggested help to retro-fit their vehicle with green technology. Government-subsidised car clubs and discount bus passes may be suggested in some areas. Details remain scarce at this stage – but the Government is promising a further consultation this autumn.

Can we even trust green emissions technology, given the Volkswagen scandal?

Ministers are also announcing a crackdown on car manufacturers caught fiddling emissions tests. Car-makers found attempting to trick pollution monitors – as Volkswagen did – face criminal and civil charges, with fines of up to £50,000 for every vehicle fitted with software to cheat the tests. Had those rules been in place before the Volkswagen scandal of 2015, the stiff could in theory have faced fines of up to £60billion.

What about a scrappage scheme?

For months Ministers have been mulling a scrappage scheme, suggesting financial help for people needing to trade in their old diesel vehicle for a newer, cleaner model. But the fresh plan fudges the issue once again. It says a scrappage scheme will be ‘considered’ as part of the consultation – but makes clear the Government has its doubts. It is understood the Treasury is reluctant to cough up the cash. “Analysis of previous schemes has shown poor value for the taxpayer and that they are open to a degree of fraud,” the report says.

And what’s this about banning petrol and diesel cars altogether?

In a shameless attempt to deflect attention from the fresh clampdown, Ministers briefed ‘friendly’ right-wing papers that from 2040, the sale of traditional petrol and diesel cars will be banned altogether. This will accelerate the shift to hybrid or fully-electric vehicles which is expected to gather rhythm over the coming years.

Why are Ministers making promises for twenty three years into the future?

Partly because they most likely won’t be in Government to have to supply them. Mr Gove will be seventy two years old. Theresa May will be 83. But the idea is also to provide ‘certainty’ for an industry about Britain’s long-term plan to improve the environment.

Are we truly ready for electrified vehicles?

No. Just 4% of cars presently sold in Britain are electrified, which likely includes some hybrids. And it will mean a fat fresh strain on the National Grid. Experts say the extra tens unit needed will be the equivalent of almost ten times the total power output of the fresh Hinckley Point C nuclear power station being built in Somerset. But eco-campaigners predict the advance of technology means all cars will be partly or fully electrical by 2050, regardless of switches to the law.

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