Consumer spending patterns are reflecting a rising desire to buy cleaner cars, according to the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).

This can only be welcome news for the Government, considering that the supreme court has already ordered action to reduce air pollution, and the EU commission has started legal proceedings.

Registration figures from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders show that in April around half of new car buyers were choosing ‘Euro-6’ vehicles.

These vehicles are the cleanest in history, developed in compliance with EU regulations that will come into force on September 1.

NFDA director Sue Robinson said: “It is not just about developing low emission engines, as manufacturers are making a significant investment in enhancing the choice, range and distance electric cars can travel.

“Increasing the existing grant for plug-ins and introducing one for hydrogen cars, whilst also developing the recharging infrastructure. The UK has the potential to be a world leader in a greener future if the Government does more to make AFVs a real option for consumers.”

The NFDA reports that there was a 64.2% increase in AFV registrations between January and March this year. The EEA found that Britain was in the top 3 EU countries for electric vehicle registrations in 2014.

The Government has promised action to tackle the problem of air pollution. Measures ranging from incentivising cleaner vehicles, to tackling congestion, to retrofitting emission reduction technologies have already been implemented or are in the pipeline. By September 2020, a new Ultra Low Emission Zone will be in place in London, one of the areas most affected by air pollution. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) has adopted EU rules to make sure that alternative refuelling points are standard across Europe, and that Europe has one plug type for recharging electric vehicles.