The very first car has been scrapped as part of Coventry’s innovative new scheme – intended to encourage the public to exchange old cars for greener transport methods.
We were delighted to announce CarTakeBack’s involvement – as the official car recycling service for the West Midlands’ new scheme – back in February, but being part of the first recipient’s experience was truly exciting. This member of the public has taken up the substantial £3,000 incentive and happily said goodbye to their old car, knowing that it will be recycled responsibly.
As a significant step in the scheme’s trial, the entire event – from the collection of the car and an interview with the owner, to the car being de-polluted and crushed at our recycling centre – was covered by the BBC’s national news team.
Part of a £22 million ‘future transport’ initiative funded by the Government, this scheme is intended to reduce levels of congestion and air pollution in the long term. Coventry’s eligible motorists (owners of diesel cars built before 2016 and petrol models built before 2006) can receive between £1,500 and £3,000 in the form of a preloaded payment card, for use on any public transport, including the city’s e-scooters. After this two year trial period in the West Midlands, successful results may then see it rolled-out across the country.
The first car-owner to use the scheme decided that after significantly reducing his car-use over the last year, an incentive of this value was a great trade for his 15 year old vehicle. We’re sure with such a generous and flexible incentive on offer, he will be the first of many car owners to use the scrappage scheme.
We’re looking forward to supporting the initiative over the next two years and recycling West Midlands’ old cars to the highest standards – doing our part to protect the environment.
