THE Government should review its opposition to motor industry calls for the a UK car scrappage scheme to be introduced to remove old cars - possibly those over 10 years old - from the nation's roads. As a result of its 'Stop Fuming' campaign findings, the SMMT is calling for a reopening of the debate on UK car scrappage.

This would see a combination of industry and Government cash handouts to encourage drivers of old vehicles to replace them with newer models. SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said there was an argument for a 'limited' scrappage scheme in the UK and Sir Ian Gibson, president of the SMMT and president of Nissan Europe, said: 'We call on the Government to review the environmental, security and road safety benefits of introducing scrappage schemes. These results suggest it is high time to reopen this debate.'

The SMMT added: 'While old cars are not the only culprits when it comes to excessive emission levels, badly maintained old cars may have a disproportionate effect on air quality. Schemes which incentivise motorists and fleet operators to scrap old vehicles and upgrade to newer, cleaner models have worked to positive effect in continental Europe.'