Motorists in Jersey have received a major update regarding the island's planned 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles, with officials confirming drivers will not be forced to surrender or scrap their existing cars.
Consultation Launched on "Significant but Necessary" Change
The Government of Jersey has formally opened a new public consultation on its policy to phase out the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles from 2030. This consultation, which will run until January 31, 2026, will directly shape future government policies on the matter.
Environment Minister Steve Luce, the Deputy for Grouville and St. Martin, described the proposed measures as a "really significant but necessary change for Jersey." He moved swiftly to address a key concern among residents, stating unequivocally that no one will be required to "surrender or scrap their vehicle."
"We want people to use their existing vehicles until the end of their useful lives, before sustainably replacing them with a zero or low emission alternative," Mr Luce explained, outlining the government's pragmatic approach to the green transition.
Details of the 2030 Phase-Out Plan
The proposed ban forms part of Policy TR5 within Jersey's broader Carbon Neutral Roadmap. This strategic document, which was agreed by the States Assembly on 29 April 2022, sets out the island's path to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and achieve a net zero target.
From 2030 onwards, the policy will prevent specific groups of vehicles that are new to the island from being permanently imported and registered. It's important to note that vehicles already registered in Jersey will not be affected by this sales ban, and some exemptions will apply.
This move aligns with, but is separate from, the UK's own preparations to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. The UK's policy was initially announced by the Conservative government and has been brought forward by the current Labour administration.
Focus on Infrastructure and End-of-Life Processing
Alongside the consultation, the government is working on supporting infrastructure. Minister Luce highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure Jersey motorists have access to appropriate disposal and recycling facilities for vehicles, emphasising producer responsibility for these items.
The consultation represents a critical step for the island, balancing ambitious environmental targets with practical considerations for its residents. The government's assurance that current petrol and diesel cars can remain on the roads aims to provide certainty and prevent unnecessary financial burden during the shift towards electric vehicles and other low-emission alternatives.
