UK air quality to improve as popularity of green cars rises

The UK's air quality is set to improve after it was said that green cars will grow in popularity this year.

According to Neil Wallis, head of communications at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership, more people could be tempted to invest in environmentally-friendly vehicles as they can offer financial benefits in the long-term.

He said: "The driving of green and emissions-saving cars go hand-in-hand with good cost savings from things like reducing fuel use to taxes."

Mr Wallis also noted that green car drivers in London will be able to get lower charges when passing through the congestion zone.

These monetary advantages could encourage the popularity of low-carbon vehicles after moneysupermarket.com revealed last week that five per cent of people no longer drive as a result of rising fuel prices.

It also showed that 67 per cent have been forced to change their driving habits in order to save money on petrol and diesel.

Mr Wallis added 2011 will be a "big year" for the green car industry and one in which more people will become more familiar with electric vehicles, in turn reducing the country's pollution levels and improving its air quality.

Posted by Claire Manning