UK could ban sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles as early as 2032, says transport minister

Boris Johnson last week brought the phase-out forward to 2035 as part of drive to go carbon-neutral

The government’s planned ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK could come as early as 2032, transport secretary Grant Shapps has said.

Boris Johnson last week announced the planned ban would be brought forward by five years from 2040 to 2035 and would be extended to include hybrid vehicles, as part of the government’s target of making the UK carbon neutral by 2050.

Now Mr Shapps has suggested it could be accelerated by a further three years, telling BBC Radio 5 Live that the ban will take effect in 2035, "or even 2032".

He indicated the final date would be fixed after consultations.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has already described the 2035 target as “extremely concerning”, warning that electric cars currently make up only a fraction of sales.

Announcing the accelerated phase-out of polluting petrol and diesel cars last week, Downing Street said: “Demonstrating the UK’s urgent action to reduce emissions, the government plans to bring forward an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition is feasible, subject to consultation, as well as including hybrids for the first time.