PETROL and diesel cars are set to be banned from sale by 2030 under new Government plans to cut carbon emissions.
PM Boris Johnson is expected to confirm the new target as soon as next week in a bid to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the UK before 2050.
The ban, which was set for 2040, has been brought back an entire decade in order for the UK to reach the 2050 target, reports The Times.
Back in February, the Government brought forward the ban to 2035 as part of a launch event for a United Nations climate summit in November.
During the event, Johnson said that 2020 would be a “defining year of climate action” for the planet.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps warned in late February the proposed ban could even be introduced in 2032, three years earlier than expected.
Motoring experts have criticised the contentious policy which would see hybrid motors also banned.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “It’s extremely concerning that government has seemingly moved the goalposts for consumers and industry on such a critical issue.
“Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future, with some 60 plug-in models now on the market and 34 more coming in 2020.
“However, with current demand for this still expensive technology still just a fraction of sales, it’s clear that accelerating an already very challenging ambition will take more than industry investment.”
Over the last number of weeks, ministers have been under growing pressure to move the ban forward amid warnings that Britain risks being left behind as the world moves towards green transport.
The demands were made following research published by Greenpeace that found a delay beyond 2030 would knock the UK’s greenhouse gas reduction targets off course.
ClientEarth, an environmental law firm, said there was an estimated 8.5million diesel vehicles still on UK roads that exceeded the legal limits for nitrogen oxides.
There has also been mounting concerns over the toxic pollution in built-up areas.
According to The Times, there are as many as 40,000 premature deaths a year linked to poor air quality in the UK.
Once the ban comes into actions, Brits will still be able to drive their old petrol and diesel cars as the announcement will only affect new models.
However, given that bans on petrol and diesel vehicles are becoming more common across the country, it’s likely to become harder to drive traditional models.
On average, motorists swap their car every four to five years, so there is enough time if you’re unsure what to do next.
Earlier this year, we revealed what the petrol and diesel ban means for you.
