UK Government Considers Earlier Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars

With climate change resolutely on the lips of protestor and politicians around the world, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is calling for the total ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars to be brought forward five years, making the new deadline 2035. The proposition is part of climate change action plans currently being explored by the Conservative Party, with Shapps asserting the Department for Transport will "look again" at the distant 2040 deadline and "thoroughly explore the case" for accelerating the ban by five years.

Call for UK to " become the world-leader in green technology"

Shapps claims a review of the deadline would bring the United Kingdom into line with the bans imposed by other nations, including Ireland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands. All plan to ban the sale of solely internal-combustion-engine vehicles by 2030 in a bid to combat climate change and reduce air pollution. Scotland has also imposed a more ambitious deadline, with plans to phase out sales by 2032.

"We must go further to protect our environment and improve our competitive edge," he said in an address at a recent Conservative Party conference. "As you may know, we've already committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. "However, if we're to become the world-leader in green technology, we must always be looking to expand our ambitions."

Committee on Climate Change advises new 2035 deadline

Arguing the case for an accelerated ban, Shapps revealed the Government's advisory Committee on Climate Change has recommended 2035 as a target date for introducing the ban. While the ban will cause major disruptions for the automotive industry, Shapps assures manufacturers and motorists the government will "test the arguments" and work closely with the industry as it transitions to low-emissions roads.  

"Just as we rejuvenated our automotive sector in the 1980s, we're going to work with our pioneering car sector to help them sell the next generation of vehicles around the world."

Accelerated ban draws criticism from motor manufacturing industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders was quick to respond to the statement, with chief executive Mike Hawes saying that while the industry is "committed to zero-emission transport for all" the reality is that low and zero-emission vehicles make up a small fraction of the market which leaves motorists with very little choice.

"Ambition must be matched by measures that support industry allowing manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively," he says. "This includes long-term government commitment to incentives and investment in infrastructure to accelerate the uptake of these new technologies."

Alongside road transport, the maritime industry is also being targeted for its heavy emissions and contribution to climate change. For an introduction to the latest measures being taken by global organisations including the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO), don't miss 'Safety of Shipboard Diesel-LNG Dual-Fuel Engines Relies on Ventilation Flow Assurance Switch.