Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the opening of the vehicle scrappage scheme today said:
“Getting the most polluting cars and motorcycles off our roads is very welcome, but the Mayor’s scheme falls short of what could be possible.
“Twenty-five million of public money is being spent on largely encouraging people to buy or rent new cars, when instead the money could have been spent on giving people a much wider range of options for travel.
“Although free annual membership of Santander Cycles is being included, that is a financial package of just £90, compared to £2000 being made available to help some people buy a new car.
“Other options should also exist with this scheme, such as using the grants to allow people to buy bicycles or to buy a travelcard.”