Ban on petrol and diesel HGV sales by 2040 announced

The sale of all internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks as well as cars and vans will be banned by 2040 under government plans to decarbonise transport, due to be published later today (14 June).

In a sneak preview of its transport decarbonisation plan, which is due to be unveiled by transport secretary of state Grant Shapps in the House of Commons this afternoon, the government has said it will include an intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles by the end of the next decade.

The middle of the next decade will see a ban on all ICE vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes.

This will then be extended to all vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes by 2040, or earlier if a faster transition seems feasible.

The government is also today publishing a delivery plan, setting out how the 2035 phase-out will be achieved.

The transport decarbonisation blueprint is also expected to include further moves to facilitate smart electric vehicle (EV) charging and a zero emissions mandate for auto-manufacturers.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The Transport decarbonisation plan is just the start – we will need continued efforts and collaboration to deliver its ambitious commitments, which will ultimately create sustainable economic growth through healthier communities as we build back greener.”

Graeme Cooper, head of future markets at National Grid, welcomed the government’s plan. He said: “This is the first zero emissions transport mandate for a major economy and is a great opportunity ahead of COP26 to show the UK’s commitment to clean transport and clean air.

“The government has already committed significant investment for EV charging infrastructure, and today’s announcement will be a further boost, giving the industry and consumers clarity and confidence for the road ahead, not just for cars but other forms of transport too, including heavy goods vehicles.

“In order to successfully deliver these outcomes, it is essential that transport and energy networks work together to ensure the delivery of the most efficient network solution and make the most efficient use of the funding available. If we’re going to put in the right investment for decarbonising transport, let’s do it right and futureproof for the long-term.”

Luke Murphy, head of the IPPR Environmental Justice Commission, warned that the government’s ambition to curb transport emissions were undermined by its continuing commitment to new road building.

He said: ” We need to massively expand the provision of and affordability of clean public transport options, such as trains, buses and trams, while helping more people to regularly walk and cycle, alongside a shift to electric vehicles for those that need them. We also need to see a firm commitment from the government to review the £27 billion roads programme, including schemes that are currently planned as well as future ones.”