Former Top Gear star Richard Hammond weighs in on petrol and diesel car ban

Ex-Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has predicted petrol and diesel cars will remain on UK roads - despite an upcoming ban. The former host of the popular motoring TV show stressed there was "no doubt" combustion models would still feature on British streets despite the rule.

He said motorists will likely adopt "every single option" and did not yet see a future where only electric models were around. Labour has repeatedly pledged to re-instate the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles. However, there will be no legislation in place banning the use of second-hand combustion models on the road.

Richard made the admission as he visited the factory of iconic British car brand Morgan, based in Malvern, Worcestershire.

He said: "But I think there's no doubt the future will encompass every single option. It won't be only electric, it won't only be internal combustion.

"It will be all manner of things and it's going to be exciting and great. This [Morgan Supersport] will be part of it."

Morgan was unveiling the new £85,000 Supersport model which will still be petrol-powered. However, the move bucks the trend of manufacturers turning their attention solely to producing electric machines.

Matthew Hole, managing director of Morgan, said he would continue designing petrol cars well into the future if Government legislation allowed.

He commented: "We believe our customers tell us that they want an internal combustion engine Morgan.

"We do it in an incredibly sustainable way, I think. So, for as long as we can, we will. But we do have one eye on the future, and eventually, we will have an electric Morgan."

Morgan is not the first manufacturer to have a similar viewpoint, with Mercedes and Aston Martin among those still committed to petrol and diesel - at least for the time being.

Mercedes boss Ola Källenius stressed customers will still have the choice to secure either powertrain.

Ola said: "If you don't believe that the market is 100% electric at that point, you have to have the choice for both. You need to offer the electric and the high-tech electrified ICE version without compromise."

Last Spring, Aston Martin boss Lawrence Stroll stressed: "As long as we’re allowed legally to keep making them, we will keep making them."