In November 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the country will ban the sales of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030. The prime minister announced this in an article published on the government website and written for the Financial Times. The cut-off was originally set for 2040.
Before creating the new target, government representatives consulted extensively with car sellers and manufacturers. It was also agreed that hybrid vehicles, including vans, will be allowed to go out on the road until 2035 provided that they drive at a safe distance and do not have excessive exhaust carbon emissions.
The move is just one of the government’s initiatives for the green industrial revolution, which follows a 10-point plan. Its goal is to fight climate change and bring down greenhouse gases emissions to zero by the year 2050.
This development comes after environmental campaigners, academics, and scientists relentlessly called on government authorities to find workable and ambitious solutions for restoring climate conditions to safe and normal levels.
However, according to activists, zero emissions won’t be enough to combat the climate crisis, which needs solutions as soon as possible because its impact will be felt for many years and by several generations.
Although electric cars are popular and people are curious about them, they make up only about 7% of monthly vehicle sales in the UK. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders requested the government to allot more time, effort, and budget to long-term solutions like electric car purchases. They also pointed out that charging concerns and high prices are major reasons for the low sales figures.
As such, as part of its commitment to the green industrial revolution, the UK government set aside a four-year budget of approximately £500 million for electric vehicle (EV) batteries development and mass production. Around £1.3 billion is for the improvement of charging infrastructures for the EVs. More or less £582 million is allotted for grants that can lower EV costs. Better and faster charging infrastructures are necessary for ensuring EVs are able to stay on the road for longer periods.
Other low carbon plans
Aside from achieving zero NOx or NO2 emissions, it is also the government’s goal to utilise technologies that trap carbon dioxide and establish hydrogen as a safer power source option. Focus on significant utilisation of offshore wind is also a priority.
Additionally, the prime minister was expected to approve Sizewell, Suffolk nuclear power stations, extend financial support for modular reactors, and finalise an energy white paper in support of sector decarbonisation. All these toxic pollution clean ups are in preparation for the Glasgow UN Cop26 international climate summit scheduled towards the end of this year.
The United Kingdom is just one of the countries that are committed to putting an end to diesel and petrol vehicles sales. Norway, which is recognised as the leader of electric vehicles adoption, has its eyes set on selling only zero emissions new passenger cars and light vans by 2025. Denmark, on the other hand, is set to stop the production and selling of diesel and petrol vehicles by the year 2030.
The UK’s fast-tracked deadline may be challenging but is seen as a major development in the country’s commitment to cleaner and healthier air quality. Its plans for improving electric vehicles manufacturing and charging and openness to hybrid technologies are welcome developments.
Emissions scandal
Discussions about hybrid cars and electric vehicles – safer alternatives to the current batch of diesel and petrol cars in the market – can often be brought back to the Dieselgate scandal. The emissions scandal may have happened many years ago in 2015 but the issue remains fresh because of the numerous car manufacturers that have been implicated in the cheating scandal.
Volkswagen was the first manufacturer to have been caught using defeat devices on their diesel cars. The software is used to deceive emissions tests so the NOx (nitrogen oxides) emitted are within legal levels. When the cars are driven in real-world driving conditions, though, the actual NOx emissions are way over the safe levels. Nitrogen oxides are dangerous because they combine nitric acid and nitrogen dioxide and form acid rain, smog, and ground level ozone. These are all a threat to the environment and to human health.
Volkswagen, along with the other affected car manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Vauxhall, Porsche, Audi, Ford, Nissan, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Citroen, Suzuki, Peugeot, Jeep, and Fiat have been implicated in the allegations, with some paying fines and claims to authorities and customers. Likewise, many have recalled millions of cars so these can be upgraded with safer and more environment friendly engines.
Emissions claim
As a UK resident, you can do your part in the campaign for cleaner and healthier air by checking out if your vehicle is installed with a defeat device. You can do this by checking the authority of your car manufacturer’s website. If you believe you have an affected car, you can start filing a diesel compensation claim with the help of experienced solicitors or emissions experts.
Find and hire emissions compensation experts trained to guide you every step of the way until you get the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with the experts at Emissions.co.uk and you’ll be guaranteed a smooth and productive emissions claim.
