Call to incentivise low carbon car adoption

Date: 28/6/2012

Car buyers who purchase low carbon cars should be given rebates by the government as an incentive, according to the Campaign for Better Transport.

At the same time, those who opt for cars with a high level of carbon emissions should have extra fees levied upon them, the campaign group has suggested.

It has published a report on the matter, suggesting that a feebate scheme would help to get UK drivers on board with meeting the government's carbon emission targets.

The aim is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by the year 2050 and tackling cars it could go a long way to achieving it.

Greater adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles will be needed in order for the most emitting of cars to be taken off the road.

Stephen Joseph, Chief Executive for Campaign for Better Transport, said: "Our report suggests that now is the perfect time to consider a more radical approach and a feebate system could work."

There are already a number of incentives in place to promote low carbon cars, including Vehicle Excise Duty and Plug-in Car Grants.

Further to this company car tax regulations work on a graduated scale, meaning those most environmentally sound are rewarded.

There has not been as much take up of these schemes as was previously hoped, as there have only been around 1,000 instances.

Mr Joseph said: "The Treasury could learn from the operation of a similar scheme in France and develop one that is cost-neutral and encourages the take-up of low emission vehicles."

Meanwhile the Toyota Avalon is to become available in a hybrid version as well as the conventional petrol alternative.

As well as being driven in hybrid mode the car can be powered entirely by electricity for 1.6 kilometres.

Time will tell whether hybrid versions of cars already on the market will help boost sales and therefore lower carbon emissions.

Posted by Nick Anderson

International Transport News and Sustainable Transport News