British motorists will go green if they get support from the Government, according to a new survey by the SMMT.

The results come after the European Commission approved a new scheme called the Low Carbon Car Fund. This would give buyers of cars with CO2 emissions thought to be below 115 g/km a grant of between £300 - £1,000.

“Buyers need incentives to drive the market for cleaner new cars. The commission has approved the new scheme and we need it in operation quickly”, said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive.

The results of the survey showed:

  • Nine out of 10 motorists said that they would be prepared to change to a greener car;

  • 36% would buy a greener car if they had a Government grant to help them;

  • Nearly one in four said their personal concerns about the environment would encourage them to go green;

  • 60% did not know how much they would now be paying for their road tax, following VED changes made in the Budget;

  • Eight out of 10 questioned said they would rather buy a car with better fuel economy than lower CO2 emissions.

  • 10% of people said nothing would encourage them to buy a greener car

    In calling for a clear and stable tax system for motorists, the SMMT had expressed concern to the Chancellor that changing the road tax system for the third time in five years would create more uncertainty. The survey results show the changes have caused confusion.

    “This survey shows that consumers still favour considerations of cost to pocket over their environmental concerns', said Macgowan.

    “Buyers may be full of good intentions, but when times are tough, they need support to move into greener motoring,” he said.