Petrol and diesel cars to be banned from 2030 despite serious concerns - 'May not be practicable'

Jersey announced in January that it would ban the importation and registration of petrol and diesel cars and small vans in 2030.

It added that it seeks to extend the prohibition order to other vehicle categories at "subsequent dates between 2030 and 2040".

The island's Carbon Neutral Roadmap noted that a vehicle scrappage incentive to help drivers get rid of their old petrol and diesel cars in favour of zero emission vehicles has been axed.

The Roadmap stated: "This policy is not being progressed at this stage following consultation responses."

Jersey aims to achieve a 68 per cent reduction in its total carbon emissions by 2030 through a 67 per cent shift away from fossil fuel vehicles by the same deadline.

This will largely be supported by an increase in electric vehicles, a decline in petrol and diesel vehicles and greater investment in public transport.

However, Deputy Lyndon Farnham, the chief minister of Jersey, said he was concerned that the current net zero plan could impact drivers across the island.

Posting on social media, Mr Farnham claimed that uptake of electric and hybrid vehicles is growing, but that the 2030 deadline would move "faster than the market".

He added that concerns remained about the spread of charging infrastructure, affordability of electric vehicles and higher costs.

The Facebook post added: "International comparisons show that Jersey would be moving ahead of most comparable jurisdictions.

"The European Union has set 2035 as its target for ending sales of new petrol and diesel cars, while many other jurisdictions, such as California, are also working to a 2035 timeframe."

Like Jersey, the UK will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, although hybrid vehicles will remain on sale until 2035.

Mr Farnham also highlighted that Norway's phase out of petrol and diesel cars was supported by "decades of incentives and conditions" which could not be compared to Jersey.

He called for a "practical, phased transition" that supports residents of Jersey, to allow them to transition to cleaner vehicles at their own pace.

There are more than 100 electric vehicle charging points across Jersey, with hopes that more will be installed as the 2030 deadline approaches.

The government in Jersey is expected to publish responses to the 2030 car ban consultation on March 31, 2026.

A number of public meetings were held in December last year and January to help islanders learn more about the proposed changes.