The Scottish Government is offering cash incentives and “Travel Better” vouchers for households in an attempt to remove the more polluting cars from the roads.

The £900,000 Mobility and Scrappage fund is to be piloted in lower income and Air Quality Management Areas in Scotland, including the Islands communities.

The fund, delivered by Energy Saving Trust, is targeted toward lower-income households and will provide a cash grant of £2,000, in return for the safe disposal of more polluting vehicles. In addition, the fund will offer up to two £500 “Travel Better” grants to purchase a range of sustainable travel options, including bike, e-bike or public transport vouchers – which is hoped to encourage a shift away from cars for those that choose to do so.

The Scottish Government says the Mobility and Scrappage Fund is a Programme for Government commitment, benefitting over 300 homes across Scotland and supporting the target of reducing car kilometres travelled by 20% by 2030.

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “I’m pleased that through the Mobility and Scrappage Fund we’re extending our scrappage support to communities across Scotland.

“Aimed at those that need help most, this funding is helping people remove the most polluting cars, as well as encouraging a shift towards active travel and sustainable public transport options.

“We want to protect public health and improve air quality. Through the progressive LEZ Support Fund and now with the new Mobility and Scrappage Fund, we’re supporting people to move to new travel patterns and achieve our climate change ambitions at the same time. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting with people who have benefitted from the scheme and who will be enjoying more sustainable forms of transport.”

(Picture – Transport Scotland)