New car sales in Britain fell for a 12th month in March, as demand for diesel vehicles slumped further, this time by more than one third, industry data showed yesterday, reports AFP from London.

New registrations for all vehicles sank 15.7 per cent in March year-on-year to 474,069 cars, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in a statement.

The number of new diesel-powered cars plunged 37.2 per cent to 153,594, with demand sliding on UK government plans to improve air quality.

Consumers contined to ditch diesel cars last month for automobiles that are regarded as more environmentally-friendly. March is usually a busy month for car purchases owing to the release of new registration plates.