Petrol and diesel ban to hit motorists across UK on this date

Certain petrol and diesel cars will be banned across the UK from this date, with the end of mass-produced combustion vehicles in sight. Almost all sales of brand new petrol and diesel vehicles will be suspended by the end of the decade under new rules pushed forward by Labour.

The Conservatives first legislated for a ban on new petrol and diesel models, but the plan was expected in 2035 instead of 2030. Labour made it a manifesto pledge to bring forward the rule by five years to 2030, beating the European Union's plans by half a decade. Earlier this year, the Government confirmed the 2030 date would go ahead as part of plans to support the transition to zero emissions vehicles.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "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."

However, officials have watered down plans, confirming that some low-volume manufacturers producing fewer than 1,000 vehicles per year will be exempt from the rule until 2035. Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles with both petrol and electric components can still be built until 2035.

Despite the rule, a large majority of UK drivers still doubt the Government will meet its 2030 deadline. According to Auto Trader's Road to 2030 Report, a massive 80% of 2,000+ people surveyed don't believe the Government will stick to its plan.

Meanwhile, the poll found that affordability remains the biggest barrier to electric vehicle adoption, with 52% concerned about costs.

Ian Plummer, Commercial Director of AutoTrader said: "There is genuine concern that 80% of consumers doubt the Government can meet its 2030 goal of banning new petrol and diesel vehicle sales."

Wheeler Dealers host Mike Brewer has also voiced his uncertainty about the new rule, repeatedly suggesting a 2030 deadline was unlikely to come to fruition.

He told Express.co.uk: "It will have to be kicked down the road to 2035 and the next Government it will be 2040. We are not ready, although we do have electric cars coming into the mainstream, they are more and more and becoming prolific, they are still only about 15% of sales at the moment are electric. It's just not enough."