EXCLUSIVE: Lib Dems 2040 diesel and petrol ban needs ‘progressive legislation’

The Government must introduce legislation that allows motorists and industry to affordably adopt cleaner vehicles if the Liberal Democrats vision of banning all petrol and diesel cars from UK roads by 2040 is to be realised, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).


Making the announcement yesterday, Nick Clegg’s party unveiled proposals to only allow ultra-low carbon vehicles on UK roads by 2040.

Under the proposals, millions of petrol and diesel cars would be banned, while electric vehicles and efficient hybrid cars would be the only ones permitted on UK roads.

Speaking to edie, an SMMT spokesperson said: “Looking ahead, it is important that legislation is introduced progressively and after detailed assessment so motorists and industry can affordably adopt increasingly cleaner vehicles.”

“We need to ensure that we have the right environment for the UK to be at the forefront of making these vehicles in the UK, no matter what technologies go within them,” said the spokesperson.

According to the SMMT, the automotive industry has already made significant progress in reducing vehicle emissions.

“In the last decade, fuel efficiency has improved by more than 20%, reducing CO2 output by similar margins and industry is already working towards further improvements in-line with challenging EU legislation set for 2020,” the spokesperson added.

Leigh Stringer

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