Budget: Greenpeace reacts to VED and EV announcement

In response to the Chancellor’s announcement on an increase in VED on new diesel cars, Paul Morozzo, clean air campaigner at Greenpeace said: “Tough action is needed to deter new diesel sales in order to protect public health. Increasing VED on new diesel cars is a good start, but increasing the cost by one band won’t make enough of a dent in diesel’s market share or the air pollution crisis plaguing our towns and cities. And questions remain about how clean new models that have been through the revised testing system actually are.

“All new diesel cars should be subject to an £800 increase in VED, which would not only fund a national network of clean air zones, but support a scrappage scheme for the most polluting vehicles.”

In response to the Chancellor’s announcement on funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, Morozzo, continued: “Consumers need help to switch to electric vehicles, so this is a welcome investment. Investing more now means the UK could secure a leading share in the burgeoning electric vehicle technology market, bringing the UK revenue and skilled jobs.

“But if the Government wants its piece of the cake, it will need to work harder. That means more investment in electric and a much shorter time frame on phasing out diesel vehicle sales.”