CASE STUDY

FISHMONGER Norman Gallacher, from Edinburgh, owns three diesel vehicles of varying ages.

His oldest is an 18-year-old Volkswagen Transporter T4, which he has taken good care of over the years, investing in its upkeep.

In London’s current low emission zone, the van would be slapped with a £100 daily charge. But Norman, 49, insisted drivers shouldn’t be punished for going for what has traditionally been the cheaper option.

He said: “If they took my van off the road, that’s my life savings. It cost me a lot of money. It’s still worth a lot.

“Through no fault of our own, diesel drivers feel as though we are dirty drivers.

“They have been encouraging people for years to buy diesel because they were cheaper and more fuel efficient.

“The emissions were never an issue. I never really gave it any thought.

“My biggest fear is we will start having to pay more tax – that’s what they will do. They’ll start taxing the bigger vehicles.”

As well as his blue Transporter, Norman owns a 13-year-old Volkswagen Transporter T5 and a two-year-old Volkswagen Tiguan.

He said any low emission zone in Edinburgh’s city centre would leave him forced to take a long detour around the outskirts to avoid paying extra.

“I drive from Pilton through the city centre to get to my work every day. I would have to go a long way around, which would put maybe an hour or two on to my week, having to skirt the city centre.”