PLANS to phase out new petrol and diesel HGVs by 2040 – subject to consultation – and polluting cars and vans by 2035 have been hailed by transport minister and Redditch MP Rachel Maclean.
The consultation proposes a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes – or earlier if a faster transition seems feasible.
The initiatives are part of the UK government’s ‘decarbonisation’ plans and come just months before the country hosts the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
The proposals also look at ways to tackle pollution from air traffic and promoting zero emission road vehicles.
“I hear from my constituents all the time who ask what this Government is doing to protect our planet for future generations, and the answer is we’re going further and faster than the world’s most advanced countries,” said Mrs Maclean.
“This plan is not about stopping people doing things: it’s about doing the same things differently.
“We will still fly on holiday, but in more efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel.
“We will still drive on improved roads, but increasingly in zero emission cars.
“We will still have new development, but it won’t force us into high-carbon lifestyles.”
