The cash for bangers scheme has not only helped the motor industry but has played a part in putting safer cars on the road, says the IAM.

New cars have better safety technology, such as traction control, electronic stability programming and EuroNCAP four or five star crash ratings, as well as lower emissions levels and reduced fuel consumption.  They are also cheaper to insure and run.

The scheme has not only put new cars on the road, it has taken old bangers off it. It will undoubtedly save lives in the future and, with fatalities costing the economy £1.8m each, it could represent a significant potential saving for the taxpayer, more than covering the costs of the scheme itself.