Diesel switch cheers Greens

THE Green Party has said the swing towards buying energy efficient diesel cars confirms that “green policies do work”.

Taking credit for the success of the VRT regime introduced last year which awards drivers for buying low-emission cars, the party’s transport spokesman said drivers have changed their behaviour because of Environment Minister John Gormley’s policy changes.

A new report by Sustainable Energy Ireland shows that in the second half of last year, 73% of new car purchases were in the most efficient bands – A, B and C. In contrast, in the first six months of 2006, just 43% of car purchases were in this low emissions bracket.