Almost two thirds (62%) of respondents to a survey would support a Government move to end a stealth tax exemption for diesel fuels used in smaller second engines of commercial vehicles, according to Dearman, the clean cold technology company.

Almost three quarters (72%) are already aware that certain emissions from a diesel engine are much more harmful to people and the environment than emissions from a regular petrol or alternatively powered engine, according to survey results. As a result, 68% would support stronger regulation to encourage the uptake of cleaner second engines in commercial vehicles.

Yet, of the 1,000 UK adults surveyed, 80% were not even aware of the current Government tax exemption.

The results come at a critical time for the UK government, which has long pledged to improve the quality of the UK’s air, but has recently been accused by the United Nations of “flouting” its duty to protect its citizens from toxic air pollution. 

This sentiment is already being felt among the UK populace, with nearly two thirds (63%) of respondents agreeing that air quality in their area is “poor”. Furthermore, more than one in three respondents stated that the poor quality of air in their area raised concerns about their own health and the health of their family and friends.

Dearman’s chief executive officer Scott Mac Meekin said: “Effectively providing a tax break for dirty fuels that pollute the UK’s cities makes absolutely no sense.

“Any government backing green initiatives must surely see that artificially lowering the price of dirty fuels makes it that much harder to develop clean power that is competitively priced.

“This diesel tax exemption fiasco highlights a major lack of clarity from the government to a population that acutely aware of the dangers of diesel emissions, is concerned about their health and is urging the government to take a stronger stance in the fight for clean alternatives in place of these engines.”

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