This article examines the impact of policies aimed at encouraging the
retirement of older, high-polluting vehicles, such as the ''cash for c
lunkers'' policy endorsed by President George Bush in 1992. The analys
is assesses the likely benefits and costs of vehicle scrappage program
s. I also address the interaction of a scrappage program with other on
going policies, such as improved inspection and maintenance. Finally,
the simulation for Los Angeles suggests plausible design values for a
scrappage program.