Ministers set to target a scrappage scheme at most polluted areas, newspapers claim

A new diesel car scrappage scheme targeted at vehicles that are registered at addresses where air pollution is at dangerous levels will be unveiled in a new air quality plan, according to national newspapers.

The Sunday Telegraph said it had learned of the decision to proceed with a 'postcode' scrappage scheme that would be cheaper than a nationwide scheme after the Prime Minister said she did not want to punish those encouraged to buy diesel vehicles by the last Labour Government. The Sunday Times, meanwhile, said that Theresa May had overruled two cabinet ministers opposed to any scrappage scheme. Other newspapers followed with similar reports, with The Sun saying that diesel owners are "set to rake in at least £1,000 for scrapping bangers".

The Guardian claimed that there had been fears within Government "it would be giving handouts to wealthy diesel owners who want to buy a new car" whilst The Sunday Telegraph said that Number 10 had pushed back against calls for a national scrappage scheme, but on cost grounds. The Conservative chair of the environment select committee is to urge a scheme limited to the 5.6m diesel cars registered before 2005 and in pollution hot spots.

Ministers were given until 24th April to publish court-mandated plans for tackling illegal levels of air pollution.