The Proposed Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars & Vans by 2040

In recent weeks, the government announced that it would be banning sales of all new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. This comes amid concerns that rising air pollution levels could cause serious public health issues.

The ban doesn’t mean that you will not be able to use existing petrol and diesel vans by 2040, but that you will not be able to buy new petrol or diesel cars after this time. It looks like buying second hand vehicles of this type will not be an issue. The government does, is aiming for nearly every car on the UK’s roads to be zero emissions by 2050.

However, some critics have suggested that the government’s plan to implement this ban does not go far enough, or quickly enough. Environmental groups believe that clean air zones, where petrol or diesel cars cannot drive, should be implemented with immediate effect, and that the scrappage of petrol and diesel cars should be encouraged via a scheme.

Currently, electric cars only make up around 1 per cent of new car sales – something the government and environmental groups can agree needs to increase rapidly.

The government has advised that it is currently looking at ways to further tackle air pollution, with additional funding to be assigned to local councils to assist with cleaning up the air around busy roads. There have also been suggestions that they will consult on a vehicle scrappage scheme in order to ensure motorists won’t be left out of pocket.

How these plans will pan out is yet to be seen. What are your thoughts on the proposed ban? Tweet us @Winnsolicitors to join the conversation.

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