Second hand cars excluded from petrol and diesel ban

Proposals to ban the importation of second hand petrol and diesel cars from 2030 have been scrapped by the Environment Minister.

Speaking in the States, Steve Luce said feedback showed "the inclusion of used vehicles in this policy is clearly not widely supported". He said "affordability" for drivers was part of the equation.

Politicians had previously agreed to phase out all petrol and diesel vehicles, as part of Jersey's Carbon Neutral Roadmap, and in line with the UK. Luce said the decision was not just public sentiment, but also informed by a preliminary economic impact assessment he had been given.

He gave no clarification whether a similar policy for new cars would follow.

In a ministerial statement, Luce said there had been more than 200 responses from individuals and businesses to a consultation on the plan for vehicles.

He said that while he was still working his way through submissions, it was clear there was "overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap".

The original plan had been to begin the phase out and stop the importation of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030.

However Luce said the plan was "clearly not widely supported", and the policy for used vehicles would be changed.

"We will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles," he said.

"Retaining the flow of used petrol and diesel vehicles into the island will help enable a more just transition for islanders, ensuring the burden of change does not unnecessarily impact on those worst off".

"We must take steps to ensure affordability both at the point of purchase and for vehicle servicing and repairs.

"This is critical to preserving customer choice and ensuring that islanders can manage the costs associated with day to day motoring," he said.

The minister said there would need to be "careful consideration of the impact on emissions".

Luce said he was "reserving judgement" whether there would be a similar policy for new cars until all responses to the consultation had been reviewed.

But he added: "New cars may be a challenge as well" as there were concerns UK car manufacturers were reluctant to export electric cars for sale to the Channel Islands.

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