Lib Dems promise to ban diesel car sales

The Liberal Democrat’s manifesto has outlined plans to ban the sale of diesel cars and small vans by 2025 if they are successful in the general election.

In addition to this, the party pledges to extend low emission zones to 10 more towns and cities.

Party leader Tim Farron said he wanted to launch a Green Transport Act and an Air Quality Plan to “reduce air pollution and protect UK citizens.”

In the manifesto, Mr Farron says: “Air pollution in the UK is a killer. It contributes to 40,000 premature deaths a year and costs the NHS £15 billion.

“This year, London exceeded its annual air pollution target in just days. The government has failed time and again to comply with EU limits on pollution.”

He added that Green Transport Plan, which includes a diesel scrappage scheme, would support the manufacture of low-emission and electric vehicles, generating jobs and exports.