Petrol and diesel ban causing issues and forcing UK to 'go on the offensive' with electric cars
Sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030
PA
The Transport Secretary has pointed to decarbonising cars and vans as one of the “biggest challenges” in meeting net zero by 2050.
Mark Harper has called on the Government and drivers to get behind the push for electric vehicles and ensure the UK meets environmental targets.
The Government will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from the end of the decade, with hybrid vehicles also being affected by a ban five years later.
Despite the lofty goals, motorists and politicians have attacked the plans, calling on the Government to stop the ban over fears many will be unable to switch to an electric car.
WATCH: Mark Dolan slams 2030 petrol and diesel car ban
Speaking to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ Electrified 2023 conference, he said: “Getting the transition to EVs right really matters.
“It matters because our climate goals now depend on decarbonising transport.
“We have made a lot of progress in this country with decarbonising our electricity generation system, whereas transport is now the source of 20 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions.”
According to PA, the MP for the Forest of Dean said the UK would fail to meet its sustainability goals “without making extensive progress” on road reforms.
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has weighed in on the controversial topic, saying environmental regulations are causing the cost of living to become more expensive.
In addition to the ban, Liz Truss suggested that the Government should implement a number of tax cuts to help people deal with expensive costs.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is believed to be weeks away from unveiling a new electric vehicle strategy for the run up to 2030.
This will include the requirement for car manufacturers to ensure a certain number of vehicles sold are zero emission.
From 2024, manufacturers will need to meet a 22 per cent electric vehicle benchmark, eventually leading up to 100 per cent in 2035.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is understood to be introduced before the end of the year, with manufacturers required to take action or pay fines up to £15,000 per vehicle.
This has been backed by a number of manufacturers and motoring organisations who believe it will help accelerate the switch.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Certain commentators have described this as shoring up the UK industry. But I think we can say it’s more than that.
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The ZEV mandate could be introduced later this year
PA
“Defence is the best form of attack, and we need to go on the offensive. This transition depends on that investment and more investment.”