Diesel Motorhome worry
With the recent discussions on possible future incentives given by the government to discourage the use of diesel vehicles, how wise would it be to purchase a diesel motorhome?
Comments
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I know what you mean as I've just bought a Diesel MH myself.
Currently there are 11 million privately owned diesel vehicles in the UK. I don't think the Gov will attack us too much whilst that figure is so high. I think what may happen starting with London is diesel vehicles may well be banned during certain days or times. Most MH's don't do a massive mileage each year so increases in diesel fuel levy wont hit us that badly.
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Common sense would hopefully prevail. I would expect a total ban on diesel vehicles could just not happen overnight. Too many jobs would be at risk. Plus there is no replacement available at this moment it time.
I do see that all older dirtier diesels being banned and not just from London. The London ban originally only affect commercial vehicles, Private and leisure escaped.
Take a look at the dartford crossing emissions levels. This in my opinion, will be a deciding factor that will affect the rest of the country. To clean up this area and including it in a low emissions zone, could technically cut off the north and south of the country for Euro 4 and below. That's why I can only see a ban on all diesels in this category across the country to start with.
The crossing's pollution levels only escaped being published because it was a "A" Road and not motorway. How many other similar "pinch points" exist? Channel crossings, major motorway junctions etc.
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If you're buying a new diesel motorhome you're in a better place than if you have an older one as the new ones will be compliant with the Euro standards for particulates and Nox emissions.
Older ones (probably pre-2010) will be the ones banned from city centres first. Still, it'll be a while till that happens as it has to go through government approval etc.
Then again do you really want to drive your motorhome in the crowded city streets? I'd be parking at a park-and-ride out of town and then relaxing and letting the bus/tram driver have the stress.
If there are bus and train lines around the campsite then I'd be inclined to leave my motorhome on site and just catch the bus.
As there really is no alternative to diesel for high torque in a large vehicle yet I doubt the manufacturers will switch to petrol or electric any time soon.
I think the new rules are to discourage car/SUV vehicles rather than vans and trucks. There's no reason for a small car to be diesel now as petrol ones are more efficient than they used to be.
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I suspect we are many years off any sort of ban for diesel vehicles. Whether in the longer term they can be made to be clean enough for continued use is a mute point. What you are likely to see is that such vehicles will be banned from using major towns and cities. However, with the odd exception, that is not going to have a major effect on motorhome use. A favourite, rather blunt, weapon of Governments is price so it may become more expensive to own a diesel vehicle but the trouble is that if you want a motorhome there is not much in the way of alternative fuels at the moment.
David
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I like your view and agree that money is a deciding factor and major weapon for the government, either as a deterrent or a cash cow.
I'm not sure how the Dartford emissions could be reduced by increased taxes/ toll charges though, Other than reducing the traffic use or banning older dirtier vehicles.
I can't see this being a problem that will not result in a ban sooner than later. We can't forget the health issues that are caused by pollution will force the speed at what ever measures are implemented.
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If you want a MH, you have no choice but diesel at present. It'll be years before we see any significant changes, in my opinion.
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I suspect the recent comments about diesel vehicles is just a precursor to increasing the vehicle duty on diesel vehicles of all types on the grounds of helping the environment.
It will take years and cost millions for all diesel engines to be replaced as in many cases there is no suitable alternative currently available. I wouldn't worry too much at this stage.
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AND,,,,just what is going to power the HGV's ,coaches,buses,delivery vans,trawler boats,pleasure/angling boats,generators,fridge lorry coolers,agricultural vehicles,road repair vehicles/rollers/diggers cruise ships,freighters, ,etc etc ??SO they may up the price of the fuel or 'road tax' BUT BUT ,doing away completely does'nt really seem an option IF no other means of power is'nt available (( in our lifetime !!))
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Bearing in mind that we are still in the EU take a look at France. They have more diesel than petrol and always have. Also their diesel prices are cheaper than petrol. I hate to think what the French would do if that was reversed. However, like us, they are having pollution zones in cities. As has been said for motorhomes there is really no choice.
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Some retailers are trying different, more environmentally friendly fuels
David
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It wont be incentives but penalties that are imposed. Already in last weeks budget hidden away was a threat of extra taxes on Diesel vehicles. You can bet your shirt it will be tax raising that will be the first option by any government.
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AND, don't forget that due to the cost of heating I believe that there is a 50% increase in the installation of wood burning stoves which contribute as much to air pollution as diesel powered vehicles in big cities. Have you ever seen how much a diesel - powered train pushes out?
It is always the poor motorist that gets it first.
And there is always AGA stove pollution issue, but that is another story.
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My 'AGA' is ELECTRIC !! Overnight low cost charging .
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Thanks for the link DK
. I found that interesting. As I read it, it took me back to the 'dash for Diesel' by a Govt that decried Petrol use. In years to come they'll find a reason to attack biomethane. It all leads one way-increases in Govt coffers using the medium of demolishing something to then bang a green tax on it. Psychology at its worst
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Talking about diesel trains - my local train to Leicester ( where it terminates for return journey ) sits in the station for 20 minutes or more still with it' s engine/s running!!- while the driver goes for a fag and a cup tea.
What a complete waste of fuel and all that idling pollution!
We, as motorists are to ge targeted for letting our engines idle.and be
fined
Time the " suits" got out in the real world and not rely on their luxurious limos ( that ' s another story !!)
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We took the motorhome in for its first cab service yesterday. Orwell truck and vans, Norwich. Its the only place around here to Service the Mercedes. Whilst there it was incredible the number of vans there. All diesel of course. In my humble opinion I can't see anything changing on the commercial front for a very very long time. At present there simply is no alternative. I cannot see either the price of diesel being penalised much either as this would unduly put an added cost to commercial operations. I believe that until there is a viable alternative we should all enjoy our hobby. Get out as much as we can and not to worry about something we can't do much about. It may be we are restricted in some cities in the future but this is a big old world. So if we want to go to Paris, Rome, London, we can easily find a better way to visit them. So, don't worry, enjoy.
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A few years ago, I think it was Ken Livingstone who blamed a lot of pollution in inner cities on the Sunday opening.
When stores were closed on a Sunday there was very little traffic as people did not have any reason to visit the city centres and it therefore allowed the pollution to clear.
Now there is no day pollution free - he said it worked in London and look at it now!!
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Any thoughts on the mayor of London's latest plan for emissions zone?
Im sure that there will be a lot of members concerned over this!
I've gone through this once before and cost me a lot, and with my Euro 5 diesel looks like I will again.
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I am also contemplating buying our first (7 probably only!) motor home. My concern is the long term residual values as I'm buying new (hopefully) & will need to be able to sell it at some point in the future.
I'm guessing there may be alternative fuels like Bio diesel or retro fit exhaust scrubbing systems....?
Right now I'm slightly nervous to part with the money!!
I welcome any thoughts!!
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My thought is that, if you want it, buy it. None of us know what's around the corner but any changes are likely to take years to implement.
As for residual values, can they get any worse than present for depreciation on a new vehicle? You'd probably do better buying nearly new.
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I think when reading the"small print" not the usual "headlines" it seems that it is the euro iv and older engines that are more likely to be affected ,as euro v and vi engines have equipment fitted that "burns off" the soot particles? that they say are the problem now
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