Motorists want green grants

According to a consumer survey by the SMMT, nine out of ten drivers would be prepared to buy a greener model and 36 per cent would definitely buy a greener car if they had a government grant to help them. But the research also found that environmental concerns were of less importance to drivers than better fuel economy. Overall, 82 per cent said fuel economy was a greater consideration than lower CO2 emissions when buying a car despite the fact that one in four drivers would be encouraged to go green through environmental concerns. The SMMT claimed the survey showed the government should make it a priority to re-instate grants for buyers of greener cars. “Buyers need incentives to drive the market for cleaner new cars. The European Commission has approved the new scheme and we need it in operation quickly,” said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive. The survey also found changes to vehicle excise duty had confused most motorists. Nearly two thirds said they were unsure how much road tax would cost following the Chancellor's last budget.