Vehicles powered by fossil fuels are being increasingly phased out nationwide, with sales of new petrol and diesel to end by 2030. Fossil-fuelled vehicles are environmentally unsound, but also contribute to urban air pollution, which poses a significant risk to public health.
As such, a number of UK cities and car manufacturers have introduced or are introducing car scrappage schemes for 2023. This article will give you an overview of what a car scrappage scheme is, and whether you may be eligible.
What is a car scrappage scheme?
Car scrappage schemes are designed to help vehicle owners to scrap old, heavily polluting, fuel-inefficient vehicles in exchange for discounts and other incentives to buy more environmentally friendly models.
Car scrappage schemes were once reserved for cars only, but have since expanded to include offers for motorcycles, HGVS and commercial vehicles as a result of their success.
In 2023, Transport for London (TfL), Birmingham City Council, and certain car manufacturers offer car scrappage schemes.
Discounts offered vary between schemes, but typically range between £1000 to £5000.
What cars are eligible for a scrappage scheme?
Whether or not your vehicle is eligible for the 2023 car scrappage scheme will depend on the scheme itself.
Different scrappage schemes have different terms and conditions. Under ULEZ, for example, diesel cars that do not meet Euro 6 standards and petrol cars that do not meet Euro 4 standard are not compliant, and may therefore be eligible for the scrappage scheme.
However, the eligibility of the vehicle also depends on a number of other factors, including place of residence and whether a driver receives certain benefits. If you’re planning to apply for a car scrappage scheme, take care to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and have all necessary documents to hand.
Remember, if you’re opting for a manufacturer scrappage scheme, you can only get discounts against a vehicle offered by that specific manufacturer.
Car scrappage schemes 2023
The Scottish Government had been offering a car scrappage scheme known as the Low Emission Zone Support Fund. However, as of 17 March 2023, this has closed to both households and businesses. Current car scrappage schemes for 2023 include…
ULEZ
From 29 August 2023, the London ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scheme is expanding. Under the ULEZ, vehicles that don’t meet the ULEZ emissions standard must pay a fee of £12.50 to drive inside the ULEZ zone.
The Mayor of London has subsequently launched a £110 million car scrappage scheme for 2023 that will help eligible Londoners to scrap high-polluting vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards.
Eligible Londoners with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standard will qualify for the 2023 car scrappage scheme. The scheme is offered for cars and motorcycles, as well as vans and minibuses. Grants offered range from £500 to £9500. Successful applicants will receive money to either fund the purchase of a new, ULEZ-compliant vehicle, or to retrofit their existing vehicle.
The application process is all done online, where you can also check if your vehicle meets ULEZ emissions standards.
Birmingham City Council
From June 2021 onwards, Birmingham City Council introduced a vehicle scrappage scheme.
Non-compliant vehicles can be scrapped as long as all the eligibility requirements are meet. Eligibility requirements range from the length of time a non-compliant vehicle has been owned through to the earnings of each applicant.
Eligible candidates will be able to claim either £2,000 worth of Travel Credits for public transport, or a £2,000 discount on a compliant vehicle that is purchased through Motorpoint.
You can apply for the scheme online.
Car manufacturers
A range of car companies like Kia, Vauxhall, Audi, MG, BMW and Ford have previously offered car scrappage schemes that have since been discontinued.
Currently, the only car manufacturer in the UK that offers a car scrappage scheme for 2023 is Renault.
Under the Renault scheme, you can save up to £2000 when you swap an old vehicle for a new eligible Renault model. The company offers a similar van scrappage scheme, with discounts ranging from £2250 to £9500
Drive greener with My Car Credit
If you’re eligible for any of 2023’s car scrappage schemes, you may also want to secure affordable monthly car finance payments on your new vehicle.
Check your car finance eligibility with My Car Credit and kickstart your journey to finding a cleaner, greener vehicle today.
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