Diesel cars still the best for long journeys says Grayling

DIESEL cars may still be the most sensible option for many families who drive long distances, the transport secretary Chris Grayling said yesterday.

Despite a pledge to see the end of petrol and diesel vehicles on UK roads by 2040, Mr Grayling said new diesels were not destined for the scrapheap just yet.

He said: ‘If you are doing long distances on the motorway, maybe the new generation of diesel engines are the right option for now.

‘My advice today is ask yourself what kind of motoring you are doing and find the right solution for it. If you live in a large town or if you are driving around in

an urban area in a city in today’s world I would be encouraging people to buy an electric vehicle or a plug in hybrid.’

Mr Grayling also said it is ‘well worth’ people trading in their ‘old polluting vehicle’ for a new cleaner car if they can afford it.

Unveiling its ‘Road to Zero’ strategy to tackle air pollution, the Government said at least half and as many as 70 per cent of new cars should be ultra-low emission by 2030.

The report said motorists should reduce emissions by driving as fuel-efficiently as they can, with a focus on learner and new drivers, and instructors teaching them to brake and accelerate smoothly.

Whitehall insists the latest, cleaner diesel cars still have a future before the hopeful transition to ultra-low emission vehicles such as electric cars.

‘The right option for now’