Kicking off the year 2020, the year for climate action that will see the United Kingdom preside over the COP26 in Glasgow, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced, on 4 February, his government's plan to end the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans by 2035, 5 years earlier than planned, or even earlier if a faster transition is feasible.
The NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), which campaigns for sustainable transport, immediately welcomed the British government's level of ambition for clean mobility.
"This is a bold target that shows a serious commitment to decarbonise UK cars and vans. The government must now quickly implement the regulations needed to make this happen by mandating carmakers to sell increasing numbers of zero-emission cars every year until the phase out is complete", commented Greg Archer, the UK Director of T&E. The NGO believes that "clear rules, with dissuasive penalties for auto companies are the best way to ensure the target is reached".
Boris Johnson's announcement goes much further than the EU regulations that came into force in January. This regulation sets new performance standards for the reduction of CO2 emissions from the European fleet of new cars and vans by 2025 and 2030 and provides incentives for the marketing of low- or zero-emission vehicles (see EUROPE 12397/16). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)