The UK government has delayed the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, from 2030 to 2035. This means that new petrol and diesel cars will still be available to buy in the UK until 2035, but after that date, they won’t be allowed for sale.
The ban was originally announced in 2020, and it is part of the UK government’s Net Zero strategy to become neutral when it comes to harmful greenhouse gasses by 2050.
The delay has been welcomed by some, who say that it will give consumers more time to switch to electric vehicles and manufacturers more time to develop new electric vehicles. However, others have criticized the delay, saying that it undermines the UK government’s commitment to climate change.
The RHA has called for urgent clarity from the government on what the announcement means for the future of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and coaches. The RHA has warned that businesses need certainty, not delays, in order to play their part on the road to net zero.
Logistics UK has also criticized the delay, saying that it is „unhelpful and will discourage private investment in the UK and its industries.”
The group has called for the government to provide more clarity and support for businesses as they work to decarbonize their operations.
In a statement, David Wells OBE, Chief Executive of Logistics UK, also expressed disappointment:
“Pushing back the deadlines to decarbonise, rather than making progress on the investment and policies logistics businesses need to implement the route to Net Zero, is unhelpful and will discourage private investment in the UK and its industries. There is still much to be done, from delivering a charging network to confirming plans for alternatively fuelled vehicles, but our industry remains committed to achieving Net Zero.”
“As a sector, logistics works hard to deliver on time for all sectors of the economy – if new decarbonisation deadlines are to be achieved, it is vital for the health of the UK’s supply chain, and therefore our economy, that the government does the same. At a time when industry needs detail and action, delay just creates more uncertainty,” Wells added.