War on diesel has actually increased toxic emissions – for the first time in 14 YEARS
THE war on diesel has actually caused toxic emissions in the UK to rise.
The average CO2 score for new cars has increased for the first time in 14 years as Brit buyers turn to petrol and big SUVs.
Department for Transport figures uncovered by Buyacar.co.uk show that the average new car sold in 2017 produces more greenhouse gases than one sold in 2016.
It's the first time since 2003 that CO2 has increased and industry experts claim it's down to the slump in diesels and a move to bigger cars.
Official government statistics for the first ten months of 2017 show that the average new car produces 121.1g/km of CO2.
The full annual figure is on course to exceed the 120.3g/km recorded last year.
It ends a 14 year trend of falling CO2 emissions, which have so far declined by 4.02g/km annually since 2003.
Diesels - sales of which have plummeted by 16 per cent this year - produce less CO2 than petrols although older models produce large amounts of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates.
Newer cars are much cleaner but the anti-diesel policies of the government have caused sales of these to stall.
Buyers now face potential city centre bans, parking surcharges and a diesel road tax hike in April 2018 for even the cleanest models on sale.
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Experts have warned a continued trend could derail the government's climate change targets - and force ministers to step in.
Austin Collins, managing director of Buyacar.co.uk, said: "Many customers now tell us that they’re avoiding diesel even if it means spending more on fuel.
"Although switching to petrol makes good financial sense for some - especially with plenty of economical petrol, hybrid or electric cars available - diesel’s fuel economy still makes it a good option for long-distance drivers or SUV buyers at the moment."
Car manufacturers face pressure to meet 95g/km EU targets by 2021 with diesels a key part of their strategy as they emit 20 per cent less CO2 than petrols.
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And although sales of new electric and hybrid cars have increased by 35 per cent this year, this only represents an extra 28,611 cars compared with 2016.
A Department for Transport spokesman said: "We will seek to maintain ambitious targets and our leadership position, and intervening firmly if not enough progress is being made.
"Our ambitious Clean Growth Strategy … includes investing nearly £1.5 billion in accelerating the rollout of ultra-low emission vehicles by 2020 – generating business opportunities and leading to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions."