MPs demand ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032

It has been demanded by a cross-party group of MP’s that the Government imposes an outright ban on the sale of all diesel and petrol vehicles by 2032. The Government’s current emissions-cutting plan was described as ‘ambiguous’ by the BEIS. It was also criticized that “the Government either acknowledge that petrol and diesel will ultimately need to be fully phased out from cars and vans, or admit that it is not seeking a zero emissions fleet. It cannot have both.”

Rachel Reeves MP, chairman of the Committee, said: “The UK Government’s targets on zero-emissions vehicles are unambitious and vague, giving little clarity or incentive to industry or the consumer to invest in electric cars. If we are serious about being EV world leaders, the Government must come forward with a target of new sales of cars and vans to be zero emission by 2032.”

“Our EV charging infrastructure is simply not fit for purpose. We cannot expect consumers to overcome ‘range anxiety’ and switch to electric vehicles if they cannot be confident of finding convenient, reliable points to regularly charge their cars. The Government needs to get a grip and lead on coordinating the financial support and technical know-how necessary for local authorities to promote this infrastructure and help ensure that electric cars are an attractive option for consumers”.

According to the report, public charge points will be required in residential areas for the 40%-50% of homes in the UK that do not have off-street parking. However, currently there are only 1 public charger per 98,800 residents in Wales, compared to the North East, where the ratio is one charge per 3,931.