The new terms of the scrappage scheme have come into force today.

The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) said it has “ listened to industry” and made changes that “will bring even more benefits to consumers”.

Van owners will now be able to scrap their eight-year-old van instead of the previous 10-year requirement.

The age qualification for car owners now extends the benefits to cars registered on or before 29 Feb 2000 (V registration).

Business secretary Lord Mandelson said: “Consumers and businesses looking for a new vehicle should make the most of the scrappage scheme now. With the new terms, the scheme makes it accessible to even more consumers, but it has to end when the funding runs out."

Chairman of Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Paul Williams said: “The widening of the requirements for the scrappage scheme means that more motorists than ever will be able to visit their local showroom to buy a new car or light van.”