Petrol and Diesel Ban on the Horizon

(Posted on 27/07/17)

The Government’s announcement that the sale of diesel and petrol cars will be banned from 2040 has received a mixed reception. 

Environmentalists have praised the decision while transport bodies have called for greater measures to be implemented before the ban. The current infrastructure is a concern for many and some are doubtful the requested measures will be met before the 2040 deadline. 

RAC roads policy spokesman Nicholas Lyes said: “The Government signaling the end of the sale of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 is a bold move – but the reality is that the UK is nowhere near ready for such a sweeping shift to electric vehicles and a huge amount of work will need to be done to meet this deadline.

“While drivers are keen to reduce their emissions footprint, and help clean up our air, they are concerned about the cost and battery range of electric vehicles.

“There is little evidence to suggest that the UK’s energy infrastructure will be ready for the largescale shift to electric vehicles, and it’s vital the energy used to power these vehicles comes from the greenest possible sources. Right now public charging facilities are patchy, there is very little on-street charging in residential areas and unlike filling up a petrol or diesel car, drivers cannot recharge a vehicle in a matter of minutes.’

Many concerns have been raised over the current number of electric charging points and Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive is nervous about the impact such a ban will have on the UK’s automotive industry.

He said: “Industry is working with Government to ensure that the right consumer incentives, policies, and infrastructure is in place to drive growth in the still very early market for ULEVs in the UK. 

“However, much depends on the cost of these new technologies and how willing consumers are to adopt battery, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen cars. Currently, demand for alternatively fueled vehicles is growing but still at a very low level as consumers have concern over affordability, range and charging points. 

“Outright bans risk undermining the current market for new cars and our sector which supports over 800,000 jobs across the UK so the industry instead wants a positive approach which gives consumers incentives to purchase these cars. We could undermine the UK’s successful automotive sector if we don’t allow enough time for the industry to adjust.”

What the government says: 

• We are determined to deliver a green revolution in transport and reduce pollution in our towns and cities.
• We are taking bold action and want nearly every car and van on UK roads to be zero emission by 2050 which is why we’ve committed to investing more than £600m in the development, manufacture and use of ultra-low emission vehicles by 2020.
• Today we commit £100m towards new low emission buses and retrofitting older buses with cleaner engines.
• We are also putting forward proposals for van drivers to have the right to use heavier vehicles if they are electric or gas-powered, making it easier for businesses to opt for cleaner commercial vehicles.