Plans for a strict petrol and diesel car ban by the end of the decade have been scrapped in one region after officials accepted that there was no support for the plan. Jersey had planned to ban the import of new and used petrol and diesel cars from 2030 as part of a Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
Jersey claimed the policy was expected to serve “as the principal means of decarbonising the Island's fleet” with a managed phase-out of combustion models. However, Stevel Luce, Minister for the Environment in Jersey, has confirmed that the plan has now been scrapped after accepting the idea was now “not widely supported”.
The decision was made after Jersey held a consultation seeking responses on the plans, with over 2,000 individuals and businesses involved and dozens of written responses received.
Steve Luce said: “We are now carefully analysing all submissions received, but it has already become very clear that there is overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
“In particular, the inclusion of used vehicles in the scope of this policy has been something that is clearly not widely supported. I have therefore concluded that, as we proceed with the phase-out, in whatever form, we will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles.”
Mr Luce added that the consultation had made it “very clear that there is overwhelming support to modify the approach” first outlined in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap. Jersey officials have now confirmed they will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles.
Steve added: “Retaining the flow of used petrol and diesel vehicles into the Island will help enable a more just transition for Islanders, ensuring the burden of change does not unnecessarily impact on those worst off.
“We must take steps to ensure affordability both at the point of purchase and for vehicle servicing and repairs. This is critical to preserving customer choice and ensuring that Islanders can manage the costs associated with day-to-day motoring.”
Jersey is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, making its own decisions over how it rules itself. Meanwhile, the UK is pressing ahead with plans to ban the sale of most brand new petrol and diesel cars by the end of the decade.