Diesel Motorhome worry

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.

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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.

Thanks for the replies.  I was pondering the possibility of a dinky roamahome, that I could drive to work and use for camping fun.  Post 2010 ones would be the ones to look at then....

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.

 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 !!)).

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.