Drivers are being hammered by motoring costs, forcing many to scrap their cars and potentially leave car ownership behind as scrappage schemes remain popular, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Almost 800,000 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles were scrapped between January and October this year, with experts suggesting that the cost of living crisis could be a factor.
Through a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), research shows that the Ford Focus was the most scrapped car this year.
More than 42,500 Ford Focus models were scrapped this year, followed by the Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa, with 35,578 and 34,405 scrappages respectively.
The Ulez scrappage scheme was extended to all London residents earlier this year
PA
A number of local authorities and organisations have been launching vehicle scrappage schemes for money off newer, cleaner vehicles.
This has been seen with Sadiq Khan’s Ulez scrappage scheme, as well as popular brands like Renault, to help drivers save on the upfront cost of electric vehicles.
Schemes like this have been praised by experts in response to the high price of new electric cars and to remove petrol and diesel vehicles from roads.
In comparison, almost 1.9 million new cars and light commercial vehicles were registered during the same period.
This means that twice as many cars and LCVs were registered than scrapped in the UK during this period.
Mark Tisshaw, editor of Autocar, commented on the data and how drivers across the UK were being forced to change their habits in response to the cost of living crisis.
He said: “It is telling that nearly 60,000 fewer cars and vans were scrapped in 2023 than during the same period in 2022.
“The rising cost of living is likely to be a factor, prompting motorists to hold on to their vehicles for longer – a situation not helped by uncertainty among consumers over making the switch to electric.”
Earlier this year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan changed the requirements needed to apply for the Ulez scrappage scheme, with all London residents having the chance to apply for up to £2,000 when scrapping a car or £1,000 when scrapping a motorcycle.
Many drivers have been looking to scrap their non-compliant petrol and diesel cars to adhere to strict emissions rules in the Ulez, in addition to Clean Air Zones and Low Emission Zones around the UK.
The 10 most scrapped passenger cars (January to October 2023)
1. Ford Focus – 42,637
2. Vauxhall Astra – 35,578
3. Vauxhall Corsa – 34,405
4. Ford Fiesta – 32,935
5. Volkswagen Golf – 25,903
6. Vauxhall Zafira – 16,898
7. Renault Clio – 15,955
8. Ford Mondeo – 14,218
9. Volkswagen Polo – 13,722
10. BMW 3 Series – 13,642
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A number of car scrappage schemes remain active
PA
Despite the growing number of scrappage schemes, data shows that rising living costs across the country have played a hand in drivers keeping their older vehicles.
During the same period last year, there were almost 60,000 more cars being scrapped than this year.