A diesel duty hike in the Budget would not encourage the majority of drivers to use their existing diesel vehicle any less.

Putting up duty will not stop diesel motorists driving any less, says RAC

That’s the finding of new research from the RAC as the organisation calls on the government to adopt a ‘carrot not stick’ approach to getting drivers into alternatively fuelled vehicles in Wednesday’s Budget.

A survey of more than 2,000 motorists on the RAC Opinion Panel found 80% said they would not drive their existing diesel vehicle any less and 41% said they felt there are better ways of getting people out of their diesel vehicles without punishing them.

Instead, motorists would like to see more incentives to tempt people into newer, cleaner vehicles. A total of 46% are supportive of some form of scrappage scheme for older vehicles, although the RAC said whether or not this is the most cost-effective option for tackling air quality remains open to question.