THE heavy guns that are being trained on the diesel market seem to be finding targets.

Registrations for diesel cars saw a downslide in May falling by a significant 20 per cent showing that consumers are gradually turning away from this option in the light of talks about scrappage schemes, clean air zones and toxin taxation.

But demand for alternatively fueled cars such as hybrids and electric vehicles is on the rise after a fairly quiet April.

Simon Benson, director of motoring services at used car website AA Cars said: "May saw a continued downturn in new car registrations following the vehicle excise duty tax changes that came into place in April, although this was at a slightly lesser rate than in the previous month.

"Alongside the tax changes impacting the market, it's natural to see many consumers deciding to hold off purchasing a new motor ahead of this month's general election.

"Demand for alternatively fuelled vehicles was back on track in May, rising significantly after a slight decline in April. Registrations rose by a hefty 46.7 per cent month-on-month to a record market share of 4.4 per cent.

"Meanwhile, registrations for diesel vehicles fell by a fifth last month, showing that consumers continue to turn away from diesel cars in the light of talk of scrappage schemes, clean air zones and the toxin tax.

"However, diesel still accounts for a large share of the market, with more than half a million new diesel cars registered since the start of the year. These changing trends suggest that consumers are now thinking more carefully about buying the fuel that's most appropriate for their needs.

"The continuing slowdown experienced across the new car market as a whole could in turn lead to considerable opportunities for dealers in the second hand market."