The flight from diesel and the new economy

IT hasn’t taken London drivers long to respond to the punitive new measures to curb diesel use. Official figures showed the number of new diesel cars registered in the capital in March plummeting by nearly nine per cent compared to a year ago, contradicting a national rise. The number of purchases fell from 7,349 in March 2016 to 6,692 last month, a drop of 657. Meanwhile, a survey from the AA showed that UK drivers are “slowly falling out of love” with diesel cars, with research revealing a significant drop in the numbers intending to buy one in the past three years.

Findings from Sainsbury’s Bank suggests that one in five of those intending to buy a new car by September plan to buy a low- or zero-emission model, to minimise the impact of new vehicle tax rules. Meanwhile, a survey by Venson Automotive Solutions shows that 85 per cent of motorists would now consider buying an electric vehicle or choosing one as their company car. These surveys are national but they are especially applicable to London, after the early introduction of the swinging extra toxicity charges that have just been announced this week. Other cities will follow the capital’s lead.

It is proof that charging polluters works. Granted, the situation is different in London than in the rest of the country, which is why the Prime Minister is saying people who bought diesel cars in good faith should not be punished. In London particulate pollution from diesel vehicles is a greater problem than carbon emissions from petrol cars. But that is all the more reason for the Mayor’s approach, which targets diesel cars within London.

It would be helpful if the motor industry responded to the flight from diesel with generous replacement schemes. It could be a stimulus for the entire industry.

But squabbling over who pays for scrappage is not the way ahead. We should be focused on changing the kind of cars we use and the way we use them. As the surveys show, people are more open to the idea of buying an electric car but they are concerned about their limited range and the dearth of charging points. But these are surmountable issues. The Government is to commit

£35 million to install new charge points and is awarding new grants to develop the charging network. As for the distance electric cars can travel, higher-range batteries will soon be available. But old-fashioned petrol engines are changing too, with companies developing low to zero emission models.

London could benefit from concerns about pollution — we should develop an integrated approach for a green city, to embrace transport and construction. Our homes and offices should be smarter and more energy-efficient; our green spaces more extensive. The approaches we take to dealing with this great challenge of our time will determine how our economy develops — a modern city is a green city. With intelligent leadership and good forward planning London could be a garden city. The spat about diesel should be a spur to creative thinking: let’s get started.