UK diesel use double petrol figure
optimised aerodynamics. The SKWAL 2 will be available in four plain and 23 colour graphic options, including replica designs based on those of the internationallyrenowned, professional stunt team Switch Riders. SHARK Helmets has also introduced a new offroad division, dedicated to outdoor activities, sporting pursuits and competition, including two new helmets. While the Discovery Division continues to offer optimal comfort and safety in a practical, changeable line and includes the popular EVOLINE series, as well as the EVO-ONE 2, a revised version of its celebrated EVO-ONE model. SHARK Helmets has long supported top-level racers and no fewer than four MotoGP riders sporting the iconic RACE-R PRO this season, including Jorge Lorenzo, Sam Lowes, Scott Redding. 2018 collection will include a range of replicas based on the helmet designs of these legendary racers, as well as two new colour options each on the RACE-R PRO and RACE-R PRO CARBON. UK VEHICLES are using twice as much diesel as petrol, figures show.
Consumption of diesel reached a record 24.6 million tonnes last year compared with 12 million tonnes of petrol, according to the Department for Transport (DfT).
The data was published a day after Chancellor Philip Hammond was accused of adding to the “demonisation of diesel” by raising taxes on new diesel cars.
Sales of new diesel models have fallen since the Volkswagen emissions scandal emerged in September 2015.
But the impact on diesel usage has been limited as more than half of consumption is by vans, lorries, buses and coaches.
Diesel usage grew 4% year-on-year in 2016, while petrol was down 1%.
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said: “These figures reveal just how deeply diesel power has penetrated motoring in this country.
“Beyond the 12 million diesel cars, there’s also four million vans and half a million HGVs, the vast majority of which have diesel engines.
“Whether we like it or not it’s going to take time to halt the diesel juggernaut and ‘green’ a fleet of this scale.
“Policymakers must bear in mind the significance to the economy of all the business and personal trips these vehicles make, day in, day out, around the UK.”
In Wednesday’s Budget, Mr Hammond announced that new diesel cars failing to meet upcoming emissions standards will be subjected to a one-band increase in the first year vehicle excise duty (VED) rate from April 1.
The cost of the policy to motorists will range from £20 for a Ford Fiesta to £500 for a luxury Porsche Cayenne.
To avoid customers being affected by the policy, manufacturers must ensure cars meet tougher real world emissions standards which will become compulsory from January 2020.
Setting out the policy in the Commons, Mr Hammond said the tax system can play an important role in protecting the environment.
“We owe it to our children that the air they breathe is clean,” he added.