Scrappage scheme 'driving road safety'

The government scrappage scheme has had a significant effect in increasing road safety.

Such is the assertion of Neil Greig, director of policy and research for the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), who states that not only has the initiative offered a boost to the motor industry in terms of increasing the number of new vehicles sold, but "will undoubtedly save lives in the future".

With more old cars now off the road, he suggests that road fatalities will fall.

And as such accidents cost the UK economy £1.8 million a year, the IAM director claims the cash for bangers programme "could represent a significant potential saving for the taxpayer, more than covering the costs of the scheme itself".

He goes on to point out that new cars tend to have "better safety technology" due to features such as traction control. In addition, they have a lower carbon emission and are cheaper to run.

Drivers looking to reduce the amount of money spent on fuel and to lower the chances of being involved in a motoring mishap may want to ensure they keep their tyres inflated to the recommended levels.