The sale of new petrol and diesel cars could be banned within a decade amid pressure from Conservative MPs to accelerate a transition to green vehicles. Ministers are expected to publish detailed plans next month to phase out the combustion engine in efforts to cut roadside pollution and greenhouse gases. A consultation began in February on bringing forward the deadline from 2040 to 2035 with the possibility of a faster transition if feasible. The Committee on Climate Change, the government’s independent advisory body, has already urged ministers to adopt a 2030 target, insisting that Britain “must play its full part” in combating global warming. This month, the demands were endorsed by more than 100 Conservative MPs as part of a plan to “build back greener” after the coronavirus pandemic. The Times has learnt that the government is seriously considering the step and could endorse the suggestion in its official response to the consultation, which closed at the end of last month. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, who owns an electric car, is particularly keen on accelerating the shift to electric vehicles and has previously spoken of a possible 2032 cut-off.
Times 29th Aug 2020 read more »