UK planning scrappage scheme for diesel cars - report

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May has asked officials to develop plans for a scrappage scheme for diesel cars as part of proposals to improve air quality, the Financial Times reported on Monday. The government is due to announce by April 24 plans to comply with European Union legislation to improve air quality and meet nitrogen dioxide limits following a ruling by the High Court late last year. Public and political concern about air quality has been heightened since the Volkswagen emissions scandal broke in September 2015 and revelations that real-world emissions exceed those recorded during laboratory tests. The FT said a state subsidy of up to 2,000 pounds was being considered as part of efforts to persuade drivers to switch to cleaner cars, but cited officials from May's Conservatives as saying details were yet to be decided. London's mayor has already promised to crack down on polluting vehicles, banning new diesel taxis from 2018 and introducing a series of new levies on motorists. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Toby Chopra)