The Government of Jersey has initiated a significant public consultation regarding ambitious proposals to gradually eliminate fossil fuel-powered vehicles from the island's road network. This strategic move forms a crucial component of Jersey's broader response to the climate emergency, as outlined in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
Phasing Out Combustion Engines from 2030
Under the newly unveiled plans, Jersey intends to commence the phase-out of importing and registering new petrol and diesel vehicles starting in the year 2030. This policy, designated as TR5 within the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, aims to prevent specific categories of these vehicles from being permanently introduced to the island, although certain exemptions will apply. Importantly, vehicles already registered and in use on Jersey will not be directly affected by this import ban.
Public Consultation and Policy Development
The government is actively seeking islanders' feedback on the proposed scope, specific timings, and potential exemptions for this major transition. Residents have until the close of business on Friday, 30 January 2026, to submit their views by completing an online survey. All collected feedback will be instrumental in informing and finalising the government's policy position on this critical environmental issue.
Aligning with Climate Targets
This phase-out initiative represents a key step in Jersey's agreed strategy to address the climate crisis. The Carbon Neutral Roadmap, which was formally approved by the States Assembly on 29 April 2022, establishes a comprehensive framework of actions necessary for the island to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and achieve its net zero target.
The Environmental Imperative
The urgency for this transition is underscored by recent data. In 2023 alone, petrol and diesel vehicles were responsible for generating 27% of Jersey's total greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to nearly 97,000 tonnes. Shifting towards lower and zero-emission vehicles is expected to substantially diminish the environmental footprint of road travel on the island, while concurrently reducing associated air and noise pollution levels.
The Path to Electrification and Beyond
Government officials have emphasised that immediate action is required to accelerate the decline in transport emissions if Jersey is to successfully meet its 2050 net zero commitment. They acknowledge that the transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet will be a gradual process, occurring naturally as vehicles reach the end of their operational lifespans and are replaced.
However, officials also noted that to achieve the necessary pace of emissions reduction required to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, lower-carbon alternatives to traditional petrol and diesel, alongside full electrification, are likely to play a significant role in the island's transport future. This proposal aligns with broader UK efforts, which are also preparing to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.
