UK must bring back 2030 ban on petrol cars, advise climate experts

The UK is facing a critical net zero target, and the Climate Change Committee is urging the reinstatement of the 2030 phase-out of new fossil-fuel car and van sales to achieve this goal. The committee stresses the need for urgent action to get back on track, as only one third of the required emissions reductions are currently covered by credible plans.
Despite committing to reduce emissions by 68% in 2030 compared to 1990 levels, the UK is falling short of this target. The committee highlights the inconsistent messages from the previous government regarding the actions needed to reach net zero, and identifies areas where immediate action is necessary.
One crucial area that needs attention is electric vehicles, with the call to revert back to the 2030 phase-out of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles rather than the current 2035 date. The committee emphasises the need for substantial reductions in surface transport emissions and a significant increase in the rate of electric vehicle uptake.
While the market share of battery-electric cars in the UK stagnated last year, other European countries like the Netherlands, France, and Ireland experienced continued growth. The CCC stresses the importance of increasing the market share of fully electric vehicles to between 80% and 100% for cars and between 70% and 100% for vans by 2030.
To achieve this goal, rapid growth in electric vehicle sales is essential, supported by the removal of planning barriers for electric vehicle charge points. The report also highlights the need to triple the installation rates of public electric vehicle charging points by 2030.
Despite these challenges, there is a positive note in the reduction of emissions in the UK, thanks to the phase-out of coal and the increased use of renewables. The report reveals that surface transport emissions fell by 0.9% from 2022 to 2023, partly due to the impact of electric vehicles on emissions.
However, the CCC warns that urgent action is needed to address climate division and reestablish UK leadership on the global stage. Professor Piers Forster emphasises the importance of rapid progress on electric cars, heat pumps, and tree planting to meet the net zero target.
Transport & Environment’s UK policy manager, Matt Finch, criticises the previous government for delaying progress towards net zero and calls on the new government to boost demand for electric vehicles and take action on reducing emissions from aviation and shipping.
Campaign for Better Transport echoes the importance of focusing on transport in net zero plans, urging increased investment in public transport and active travel. The advocacy group calls for a re-examination of previous decisions, such as cancelling HS2’s Northern leg, to improve rail capacity and reduce emissions from road transport.
In conclusion, the transition to net zero presents an opportunity for investment, lower bills, and energy security. It is a way for the government to serve both current and future generations while maintaining its place on the global stage. Urgent action is needed across various sectors, especially in transport, to meet the net zero target and secure a sustainable future for the UK.