Air quality given a boost by rise in green car sales as result of recession

The UK's air quality has been boosted due to the growing trend for customers to buy environmentally-friendly cars as a result of the recession.

Dr Ben Lane, director of nextgreencar.com, stated that more people in Britain are purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles in order to save money following the start of the economic crisis.

Findings from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders support Dr Lane's comments, revealing that the market share of cars with CO2 emissions under 100g/km grew by 65 per cent in January 2011.

If a greater number of people have cars that produce lower carbon emission levels, this will improve the air quality of the local environment.

"Since 2008 as fuel costs have increased and disposable income has reduced, people have been turning to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars," Dr Lane stated.

He also recognised that there are financial benefits to running a green car, as well as lower fuel costs, such as cheaper vehicle excise duty and the Greener Vehicle Discount in London.

Posted by Joseph Hutton