Get in quick if you want to use the Car Scrappage Scheme to buy a new motor. The scheme runs out on 31st March.

You can trade in your old banger if it’s 10 years-old or more. According to AA Financial Services over a fifth of people who have a car of this age say they’re thinking of using the scheme but currently there are only 24,000 registrations. Not long to go before you can’t do it – so get your skates on!

Under the ‘bangers for cash’ scheme your car is worth £2,000 – but when the scheme ends, which could be before the end of the month, its value will simply be what you can barter on the forecourt and the chances are you might end up having to pay someone to tow it away.

The scrappage scheme was introduced in April 2009 since when over 376,000 cars 10 years old or more have been scrapped in favour of new, more efficient and greener cars.  It has also provided a useful boost for the motor industry.

Personally I think it would be helpful to all concerned if the government kept the scheme going for another year at least. Get these old bangers off our streets and stop them just being dumped in a lay-by somewhere (a big problem in our inner cities).

Actually, another thought (given the likely petrol price rises this year) is to get rid of the car altogether and go in for car clubs, walking, cycling and all other forms of alternative transport. You could save yourself £1,000s a year and get a bit fitter too. Which reminds me, I’ve got to start walking and cycling a lot more now the weather is improving. Something has to get those spare tyres shifted!