Author: Roxanne Bradley
Published: June 8, 2016
Reading time: 2 minutes
This article is 6 years old.
Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down
This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.
The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.
The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.
Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.
If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.
All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.
Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.
It’s widely considered over the years diesel vehicles are a green alternative to petrol however diesel engines have higher emissions of nitrogen oxide (a harmful pollutant that causes environmental damage but also health concerns).
The Government have been ordered by the Supreme Court to provide the European Commission with a better plan to curb air pollution. In turn, the Government blamed manufacturers on emissions, testing in lab conditions were very different to those in real life.
So are petrol vehicles now better than diesels? It’s not that clear cut but at the moment it does depend on where you live, what mileage you cover and how old the vehicle is.
If you live in certain areas of London, you may want to look at alternatives now as some councils are imposing charges for polluting vehicles. Last April 2015 Islington Council brought in a annual £96.00 bill for residents parking permits on diesel vehicle where as Hackney Council has proposed a similar bill, £50.00 for 2017. They are also considering extra charges for cars built before 2001 to reflect the level of CO2 they produce. Other cities which are also considering schemes are Birmingham, Bristol and Leicester.
Since September 2015, all diesel vehicles have to meet the Euro VI standards – bringing down the NOx emissions from 180mg/km to 80mg/km.
So in essence, older vehicles which don’t meet Euro VI standards are likely to be hit with extra charges and levies.
