Cab Direct Launches Scrappage Scheme

Finally there's some good news for hard-pressed cabbies. Taxi owners and operators will be able to take advantage of the government's new vehicle scrappage initiative, after leading taxi specialist Cab Direct became one of the first industry suppliers to announce their participation in the Scheme.

Announced in the budget by chancellor Alistair Darling the Scheme provides buyers with £2,000 discount on a brand new car when they trade in a vehicle more than ten years old or more. Specifically this means vehicles registered before 31st August 1999. The registered keeper of the new vehicle must have been the registered keeper of the 'scrappage' vehicle for 12 months or more – so unfortunately no, you can't just pop out and snap up a banger now to use to claim the cash offer.

The aim of the Scheme is to increase demand for new vehicles. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson claims this will both support viability and jobs in the automotive sector and help reduce harmful emissions, by taking older, less efficient vehicles off the road.

Following weeks of negotiation between Ministers, car makers and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) the £2,000 discount is being funded jointly by the Government and automotive manufacturers.

Cab Direct has been quick to ensure that the taxi trade doesn't miss out. Following a meeting in London to discuss the roll-out of the Scheme managing director Paul Nelson commented: "We all know these are tough times for many in the taxi trade so every little help should be welcomed.

"Clearly the Scheme won't suit everyone but £2,000 is a significant sum of money and if it helps tip the balance to make weekly payments affordable then it's a real benefit for some people."

Nelson continued: "Too often the taxi trade seems to miss out when it comes to government support so we were determined to make sure that our customers can take advantage of the Scrappage Scheme. That's why we're now offering a special Scrappage Scheme Hotline (0800 916 0047) to help taxi operators take advantage of this new initiative".