Motorists who are thinking about trading in their current vehicle for one which qualifies for cheaper car insurance may think a scrappage incentive scheme is a good idea.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has suggested people who are willing to give up models that are over nine years old should automatically receive £2,000 towards the cost of a new car.

It insisted there had been significant benefits in countries where similar programmes had been adopted.

The organisation explained such initiatives help the motor industry as they encourage drivers to buy new cars and cut CO2 emissions as older, less environmentally-friendly vehicles are taken off the road.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: "The UK government must align with Europe and take immediate action to protect its automotive sector."

In related news, the group recently released figures which revealed there had been a 30 per cent drop in new car sales last month, compared with January 2008.

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