A date has been proposed to ban petrol and diesel vehicles across the UK

The UK is likely to set a 2030 deadline to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles as Labour has called for the cut-off date to be re-introduced.

Andy Wolff, Commercial Director at the independent leasing firm Zenith said that past 2030 point “no new petrol or diesel vehicles will be sold.”

The move is part of Labour’s manifesto pledge and the government has recently discussed the move with industry experts for support of the 2030 ban.

The ban will affect hybrid models as all new cars and vans “will need to be 100% zero,” meaning fully electric, however, second hand car owners will not be affected by the 2030 ban.

Wolff said, “There is no right or wrong answer for when drivers should switch to an EV – the 2030 deadline will simply mean that no new petrol or diesel vehicles will be sold past this point.

“The consultation will refine which new hybrids can be sold alongside EVs, and second-hand petrol and diesel vehicles will still be purchasable post-2030, so the transition will depend on each driver’s circumstances and factors such as how long they’ve had their current car.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “The previous government caused significant harm to the industry by moving goalposts on phase-out dates, creating doubt in the minds of investors and boardrooms and putting at risk the billions of pounds of committed investment in the automotive sector and in the charge-point sector.

“Our plans will restore clarity for manufacturers, provide renewed confidence for charging infrastructure investors and give confidence to consumers considering making the switch.

“No new petrol or diesel cars will be sold after 2030. All new cars and vans will need to be 100% zero emission by 2035.”