Labour Reinstates 2030 Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars
The Labour Party has announced its intention to reinstate the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. The move is part of the party’s 2024 General Election manifesto and aims to accelerate the transition towards electric vehicles.
This decision comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to push back the ban to 2035 last year. That decision was met with criticism from environmental groups and opposition politicians, who argued that it would hinder the UK’s efforts to meet its climate targets.
According to polls, public opinion is divided on the issue of the ban. A WhatCar? poll conducted last autumn found that 43.3 percent of respondents were in favor of a delay to the original 2030 date. In contrast, a YouGov poll conducted soon after found that 50 percent supported the Conservatives’ decision to delay vehicle bans.
One of the main barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles is their cost. A recent study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 50 percent of respondents cited cost as the main barrier to EV adoption. With most electric cars in the UK priced at well over £25,000, affordability remains a major challenge.
While it is clear that the transition to electric vehicles is necessary to address climate change, it is equally important to ensure that this transition is affordable and equitable. The Labour Party’s intention to reinstate the 2030 ban is a step in the right direction, but it is important to address the concerns of motorists and ensure that everyone has access to affordable and sustainable transportation options.
