The Labour government is facing mounting pressure to clarify its strategy and alleviate public concerns as the 2030 deadline for banning new petrol and diesel car sales approaches. Motoring organisations and political opponents are calling for urgent action to address widespread apprehension among drivers.
Policy Deadlines and Public Opposition
The UK's phase-out plan mandates that sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars will end in 2030. Following a previous adjustment to the policy, new hybrid vehicles can still be sold until 2035, by which point all new cars and vans must be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). It is crucial to note that this ban applies only to new registrations; drivers will still be permitted to use existing petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars.
Public support for this landmark policy appears shaky. A recent YouGov survey revealed that 58% of motorists oppose the ban on new combustion engine sales, with only 29% expressing support. This significant opposition underscores the challenge facing the government in steering the nation towards an electric future.
Industry Calls for Clarity and Action
The AA has issued a direct warning to ministers, stating that the government must actively "address concerns" to ensure a smoother transition. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at The AA, pointed to specific anxieties causing hesitation among potential EV buyers.
"Rumours of policy changes regarding the relaxation of EV sales targets for 2030 and 2035, as well as the proposed introduction of pay-per-mile EV taxes, are just some of the reasons would-be owners are nervous about making the switch," Cousens stated. He emphasised that 2026 is a critical year for the government to provide certainty if it is serious about accelerating electric vehicle adoption.
Political Divisions and the Road Ahead
The policy has become a clear political battleground. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to scrap the 2030 ban if the Tories win the next election. She argues that the UK risks isolating its automotive industry, particularly after the European Union softened its own transition timeline.
"The reality is that the EU's change of heart on EVs will leave Labour even more isolated," Badenoch said. "And by pressing ahead alone, we are placing our domestic industry at a disadvantage while giving others the opportunity to dominate global supply chains."
Despite the controversy, the government remains publicly committed to its path. A Government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to phasing out all new non-zero emission car and van sales by 2035, highlighting that EV adoption is growing, with one in four cars sold in November being electric.
The coming year is set to be pivotal, as the government balances its environmental ambitions with the practical and financial concerns of millions of UK drivers and the future of the national automotive sector.
