The Jeju provincial government said on Monday over 1,000 old diesel cars will be prematurely disposed of this year, with a budget of a 1.6 billion won devoted to providing incentives for local residents to do away with high-emissions cars. (Image: Yonhap)
JEJU, Dec. 23 (Korea Bizwire) – Jeju Island will provide incentives to encourages drivers to get rid of their aging diesel cars, as part of a push to reduce fine dust pollution.
The Jeju provincial government said on Monday over 1,000 old diesel cars will be prematurely disposed of this year, with a budget of a 1.6 billion won devoted to providing incentives for local residents to do away with high-emissions cars.
The incentive for the disposal of an aging diesel car depends on the standards set by the Korea Automobile Environmental Association, which are based on the vehicle price index compiled by the Korea Insurance Development Institute.
For instance, vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons with an engine displacement of lower than 6,000 cubic centimeters can claim an incentive of between 10,000 won and 1.65 million won.
Vehicles with a weight of over 3.5 tons are eligible for an incentive of between 10,000 won and 7.77 million won, depending on the engine displacement size.
Since the Jeju provincial government began the environmental scheme in 2016, the number of cars being disposed of grew from 42 units to 837 units last year.
“We plan to gradually increase programs to do away with aging diesel cars, which collectively are one of the principal sources of fine dust emissions, and present local residents and tourists with fresher air,” said Kim Yang-bo, a provincial environmental official.
Applications are open until early next month for drivers who have diesel cars made before 2006 that have been registered with the Jeju government’s for over two years.
New types of construction vehicles such as dump trucks, concrete mixer trucks, and concrete pump trucks will be eligible for Jeju’s air pollution scheme from this year, while applicants must have had the car for more than six months before the application date.
Old cars will be subject to inspection, as incentives are only available to cars that haven’t been equipped with emissions reduction devices.
Jeju Island will provide incentives to encourages drivers to get rid of their aging diesel cars, as part of a push to reduce fine dust pollution. (Image: Yonhap)
As subsidies for electric cars and incentives for getting rid of aging diesel cars can’t be overlapped, experts warn car buyers to choose carefully before making a decision.
More information on the new program is available at the Jeju provincial government’s official website, jeju.go.kr.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
