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

Almost all petrol and diesel cars will be banned from UK roads within a matter of years due to a new Labour crackdown. The Government has previously confirmed that the majority of brands will be prevented from selling any new petrol and diesel models from 2030.

From this date, major brands will only be able to sell electric models or hybrid cars, with full combustion models no longer allowed. The previous Conservative Government had also planned to ban the sale of combustion models by 2035 in line with the European Union. However, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed there was a need to "transition away” from a reliance on fossil fuels.

Speaking earlier this year, she said: “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.

“The need to transition away from a reliance on fossil fuels has never been clearer, and the transition to zero-emission vehicles will play a critical role in quickly reducing carbon emissions and improving our energy security.

“It is not just an environmental necessity but an opportunity for the UK to lead in cutting-edge technologies, representing a significant industrial opportunity for the UK.”

Under the rules, manufacturers are allowed to continue selling hybrid machines until at least 2035. Meanwhile, smaller brands that produce less than 2,500 vehicles per year are exempt from the rules.

It will effectively allow luxury brands to continue making high-performance sports cars even if they produce tailpipe emissions. However, cars already on the road will not be retrospectively banned after 2030 or 2035, meaning there is no need to change models.

The transition to a fully-electric road system will be a slow one with many classic petrol and diesel vehicles likely to remain on the road for decades to come.

Experts at The Electric Car Scheme stressed: “The ICE phase-out is more than just a date on a calendar; it’s a crucial milestone in the UK’s journey towards Net Zero. By setting this deadline, the government is sending a clear message: the future of transport is electric and the switch needs to happen sooner rather than later.

“This move will accelerate the adoption of EVs, encourage investment in charging infrastructure, and drive innovation in battery technology.”