Guernsey ‘can choose its own route to banning petrol cars’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a major shift in his government’s approach to environmental policy last week, including pushing back a ban on the sale of conventionally-fuelled cars previously timetabled for 2030.

Prior to Mr Sunak delaying the ban in the UK, Guernsey’s Environment & Infrastructure committee had stated that it would follow the UK’s lead on the issue.

But, following the announcement of the UK’s delay, E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that how Guernsey met international net-zero targets was a matter for the island, and the new timetable may not be followed locally.

‘Our timelines for the phasing out of internal combustion engine vehicles are currently aligned to the UK’s, as that is where most of our vehicles are imported from,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.

‘This isn’t the first time the UK has moved their timeline. The original date was 2040, which they brought forward to 2035, and then shortly after the adoption of the island’s climate change policy they brought it forward again from 2035 to 2030.

‘We are, however, able to make our own policies and set our own timelines independently of the UK. The committee will consider what is in the best interests of Guernsey.’

Robert Cornelius, president of the Guernsey Motor Trade Association, said he understood that the States was free to make its own decisions, but it was best if the island remained aligned with the UK and changed the local policy from 2030 to 2035.

‘All our distribution comes through the UK,’ he said.

‘As an industry, we are relatively unconcerned at the news of the 2035 delay. All that’s really happened is that the UK has moved in line with the rest of Europe.

‘What hasn’t changed is the ZEV (zero emission vehicle) mandate that will set the thresholds of what cars are sold.

‘So next year 22% of cars must be zero emission [and] by 2035 it will be 100%. It’s just moved the ban back.’

Shortly after Mr Sunak’s announcement, car manufacturer Nissan pledged to stick to 2030 as its target date to be producing only electric cars. Other car companies, such as Jaguar and Lotus, revealed some time ago that they planned to phase out hybrids before the 2030 deadline and become totally electric.

The sale of new hybrid cars was due to end in 2035. That date was not changed in Mr Sunak’s announcement.

Mr Cornelius said the change in the petrol and diesel ban until 2035 could mean some models of car remaining available for purchase for longer.

‘But if you are making them in such small volumes it’s not worth it, as it doesn’t make financial sense,’ he added.

‘The vast majority of the new cars we sell by 2030 will be zero emission anyway.’