Venson Automotive Solutions has urged fleet decision-makers to prioritise a review of their current policies and plan for a future with fewer diesel vehicles.

Its plea follows the Government's confirmation in the spring budget of its commitment to improve air quality, with plans to review the way diesel vehicles are taxed already underway.

Diesel company cars currently incur an additional 3% benefit-in-kind tax supplement up to a maximum of 37%, which the Government has previously said would remain in place until April 2021.

However, Venson feels national and international pressure for governments to take action to cut demand for diesel vehicles could see tax rises announced as soon as the Autumn Budget.

Tax policy already drives fleets towards plug-in and ultra-low emission vehicles and currently Euro6 compliant diesel vehicles are the “cleanest” oil-burners available, so any new changes could see a big shift away from diesel.

Samantha Roff, managing director for Venson Automotive Solutions said: “The signal that the Government is looking at introducing diesel vehicle tax changes that are likely to mean tax rises could prove to be the catalyst to further drive fleets towards plug-in vehicles."