Jersey scraps phase-out of petrol and diesel cars

Plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in Jersey from 2030 have been abandoned by the environment minister.

The government had already dropped plans to include second hand cars in the ban, and now it has decided to scrap the policy altogether.

Environment Minister Steve Luce said it was clear that the "majority of people were not in favour of the proposed phase-out" and the UK's phase-out would "cascade to the local market automatically".

The decision comes after a consultation on the subject received more than 2,000 responses, with 63% of individuals and 79% of organisations saying they expected to be negatively impacted by the proposed phase-out.

Deputy Luce said economic advice and responses to the consultation had guided his decision.

"We do not need to create costly new legislation, as the changes in the UK will cascade to the local market automatically.

"I therefore will not be introducing limitations on the importation and registration of fossil fuel vehicles."

"It is very clear... that the majority of respondents were not in favour of the proposed phase-out. They wanted to retain freedom of choice when selecting vehicles," he said.

The minister acknowledged that tackling road emissions would now take longer, but he said there needed to be a "just transition for local motorists", citing affordability as a key issue.

Despite ditching plans for new legislation, Luce said he remained "absolutely committed to Jersey's 2050 net zero goal".

Ending the importation and registration of new petrol and diesel vehicles had been a key part of that.

However, Luce said it was time to rethink elements of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.

"Our approach to this transition needs to change," he said.

"There is now a significant opportunity to review the government's overall policy approach to vehicles and transport, particularly taxes and charges, to ensure these are optimally working together to help us achieve our sustainable transport goals, maintain public revenue and support Islanders to decarbonise their journeys."

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