OWNERS of old cars are taking advantage of the Government's “cash for bangers” scheme and boosting sales in Ipswich.

OWNERS of old cars are taking advantage of the Government's “cash for bangers” scheme and boosting sales in Ipswich.

The incentive allows owners to scrap cars and small vans which are more than ten years old and get �2,000 off the price of a brand new vehicle.

David Billison, sales manager for John Grose, at Ransomes Europark, in Ipswich, said: “It has driven a lot of new traffic to the show room. Enquiries started back in April and we already have 40 orders for Ford cars. Peugeot and Citroen sales have shown a similar interest.”

He said although sales were “inevitably down” on the same period last year, the new initiative had increased sales above the expected level especially for smaller cars such as the Ka and Fiesta.

“I think all kinds of people are using the scheme. Maybe some were looking to buy a used car, but the �2,000 has made all the difference,” added Mr Billison.

He said there was no price limit on the new car, but it had to be brand new and there were various rules concerning the old vehicle.

The person who owns the scrap vehicle, up to a 3.5 ton van, has to be the person who purchases the new one; the scrap vehicle must be registered before August 1999, be owned by the new car purchaser for at least 12 months and have a current or recent MoT and tax disc.

Although the scheme was officially launched this week enquiries and orders began when the scheme was announced last month.

The Government and manufacturers are sharing the cost of the scheme which will last until the end of next February or until the �300 million Government funding runs out.