General election: UKIP backs diesel drivers, supports zero-emission incentives

UKIP's General Election manifesto today seeks to defend diesel drivers from being penalised while seeking extra incentives to swap old vehicles for zero-emission vehicles.

The party lambasts the fact that people were encouraged to buy diesel vehicles and face extra charges because, after diesel ownership "shot up, 'the experts' have changed their advice". It has, in contrast, moved away from its opposition to "subsidies" for electric cars, whether for the vehicle or the electricity, regardless of the income of those benefiting, with the policy of incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, and support for the installation of charging stations and encourage off-street and residential development charging.  

However, the manifesto retains the party's opposition to the "highway robbery" of tolls and central policy of scrapping HS2. The document also champions expansion at Manston Airport in Kent whilst opposing a third runway at Heathrow and declares the party would seek to move the proposed new Thames Crossing in Thurrock further east, including the option for a crossing through Canvey Island.

The move comes after the Liberal Democrats included a pledge to ban the sale of diesel cars and small vans from 2025.