UK Government Delays Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars Until 2035: What it Means
On September 20, 2023, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that the government would be delaying its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. The move was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the government for being realistic and others criticizing it for abandoning its climate commitments.
Sunak said that the delay was necessary to make sure that the transition to electric vehicles was affordable and fair for everyone. He also argued that it would give the government more time to invest in charging infrastructure and to support the automotive industry.
The decision to delay the ban is likely to have a number of implications. On the one hand, it will give consumers more time to switch to electric vehicles, which could help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, it will also mean that more petrol and diesel cars will be on the road for longer, which could have a negative impact on air quality and climate change.
The move has been welcomed by some in the automotive industry, who argue that it will give them more time to develop and produce electric vehicles. However, it has also been criticized by environmental groups, who argue that it is a step backwards in the fight against climate change.
It is still too early to say what the long-term impact of the government's decision will be. However, it is clear that it is a significant change in the UK's approach to net zero.
Reactions to the announcement
The announcement of the delayed ban on petrol and diesel cars was met with mixed reactions. Some, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), welcomed the decision, saying that it would give the industry more time to prepare for the transition to electric vehicles. The SMMT also said that the delay would help to protect jobs and investment in the UK.
However, environmental groups were critical of the decision, arguing that it was a step backwards in the fight against climate change. Friends of the Earth said that the delay was "disappointing" and that it would "make it harder for the UK to meet its climate targets." Greenpeace said that the decision was "a betrayal of future generations" and that it would "lead to more air pollution and climate change."
The decision to delay the ban on petrol and diesel cars is a complex one with both pros and cons. It is important to weigh the potential benefits of the delay, such as giving consumers more time to switch to electric vehicles and protecting jobs in the automotive industry, against the potential risks, such as increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.