Scrappage scheme 'good news for white van man'

Van drivers will be able to benefit from the Government's new vehicle scrappage scheme, it has been confirmed.

The scheme, announced in yesterday's Budget, offers a £2,000 discount on a new vehicle when a vehicle over 10 years old is traded in, and applies to commercial vans up to 3.5 tonnes. The Government will fund half the discount, with the other half provided by manufacturers.

President of the AA, Edmund King, said: "Van mileage has grown much faster than car traffic over the last three years so there is a good case for replacing some of the dirtier vans with cleaner models.

"White Van Man is essential for the economy and is struggling in the current recession. A grant to bring newer shinier white vans onto the fleet would also help the environment, economy and employment," he said.

The scheme will run from mid-May until March 2010, or until the £300 million of Government funding runs out, and is open to drivers who have been the registered owner of their vehicle for at least one year.