Drivers Will Still Choose Diesel Unless Hit By ‘Big Taxes’, Finds Study

The future of diesel as a fuel for vehicles looks complicated at present – as, with DPF filter or not, the government have simultaneously set their scope on reducing emissions by moving diesel vehicles up a tax band whilst also suggesting that diesel is the right fuel for some drivers.

However, according to new research reported by i News, half of drivers with diesel cars said that they would only replace their car with a non-diesel model if hit with unaffordable taxes.

The survey aimed to find out the exact figure where drivers would be convinced to trade in their diesel vehicle, and for 13 per cent of drivers, making heavier VED payments of up to £500 a year would still be acceptable.

The survey also found that 17 per cent would want government grants and subsidies towards buying their next vehicle if it was to replace a diesel car, while 89 per cent said they want the government to be doing more to smooth the transition.

Last month, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said that buying a diesel car is still the right choice, eco-wise, for some drivers, according to Autocar. Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Summit, he said that diesel “can play a valuable role in reducing CO2 emissions” and that people should buy the right vehicle for their own circumstances.

All the while, the government is expected to launch a new scheme in coming months aimed at making regulations that mean only zero emission cars will be able to be on sale from the year 2040.