Scrappage extended

02nd October 2009

The pot of money was about to run dry, but the UK Scrappage Scheme has been such a resounding success, the Government has now agreed to give it a £100million boost!

What’s more, a six-month extension on the build date of eligible bangers means an estimated 900,000 more motorists are now allowed to take part, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

That’s great news for the unhappy readers who wrote to us earlier this year complaining that their motors were too young to trade in.

A huge 227,750 drivers have already made the most of the ‘cash for scrap’ incentive, giving you discounts of at least £2,000 on some of the most sought-after metal on the forecourts.

But these new cars have been snatched off the shelves so fast, the scheme was set to finish early, next month, instead of its initial predicted end date of February.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson declared at the Labour Party Conference, however, that money for a further 100,000 deals has been set aside – a cool £100m.

Yet the scheme will still close at the end of February, even if there’s money left in the pot.

Cars registered on or before 29 February 2000 can now take part, extending the previous 30 August 1999 cut-off. Van drivers get a boost, too – they can now trade in their vehicle if it’s only eight years old.

An extra 500,000 owners are eligible to participate.

Here at Auto Express, we couldn’t be more delighted. We successfully campaigned to have the scheme introduced in the first place. Editor in chief David Johns said: “There’s never been a better time to buy a new car.”

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