Scrappage schemes – a simple guide

Car scrappage schemes vary widely in terms of eligibility criteria, benefits, and requirements, with different manufacturers, Government, and city councils previously offering their own unique terms and conditions.

Here’s everything else you need to know about the schemes. Read our latest emissions guide.

A scrappage scheme encourages motorists to part-exchange their old, polluting car for a new, eco-friendly one, by offering cash towards the new car when trading in the old one.

Scrappage schemes are crucial for promoting cleaner air and reducing harmful emissions from older vehicles.

By incentivising the removal of polluting cars from the road, these programs help cities meet environmental targets and improve public health.

They encourage the adoption of newer, more fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, which emit fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Additionally, scrappage schemes support the transition to sustainable transportation, aligning with the global shift towards reducing carbon footprints.

In the UK, there isn’t a nationwide diesel scrappage scheme currently in place, but several manufacturer-led programs aim to remove older, polluting diesel vehicles from the roads.

• Euro 1 to Euro 6 guide – find out your vehicle's emissions standard
• What is E10 fuel and how will it affect you?
• Clean Air Zones – what are they and where are they?

The age of the car is important as a car has to be a particular emissions standard (usually 4 or lower) to qualify for these schemes. This standard is typically determined by when the vehicle was made.

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) scrappage scheme in London is designed to reduce air pollution by encouraging the removal of older, high-emission vehicles from the road.

The scheme targets vehicles that do not meet the Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards, typically older models. Eligible drivers can receive financial incentives to scrap their non-compliant cars and switch to cleaner alternatives, such as electric or low-emission vehicles.

This initiative aims to improve air quality, reduce harmful emissions, and help London meet its environmental goals, particularly in areas with high pollution levels, like central London.

After over 54,000 successful applications, the scrappage scheme is no longer accepting new applications. If you submitted your application before Sunday 8th September 2024, the Government guarantee that it will be processed and reviewed for eligibility.

Read our full ULEZ guide to learn more.