France is aiming to phase out diesel fuel for cars.
Time for a change? Image: Commons |
2015 will see the launch of a number of initiatives aimed at dramatically reducing the number of diesel-fuelled cars on French roads. Currently, around 80% of the nation's drivers are using diesel vehicles.
A pollution ranking system will identify the most polluting vehicles, allowing local authorities to limit access to cities for those creating the most emissions.
The so-called TICPE excise tax on diesel will be raised by €2 Cents per litre, which is set to raise some €807m ($950m) in government revenue.
There are also plans to widen access to a subsidy for converting old diesel engines wherever there anti-pollution regulations are in operation.
Earlier this year, drivers who scrapped diesel-powered cars to buy an electric vehicle were incentivised with a bonus of up to €10,000 ($11,700).