Car fumes are now the UK’s biggest source of carbon emissions. But under current plans our streets won’t be free of new dirty diesel and petrol cars until 2040 -- a whopping 22 years away.
Switching to electric cars earlier would almost halve the UK’s oil imports and help close the gap in the UK’s climate targets -- and it’s a huge manufacturing opportunity for the UK.
Environmental think tank Green Alliance has just called on the government to bring the ban forward 10 years. Will you sign the petition to Environment Secretary Michael Gove letting him know you agree?
Michael Gove: listen to the experts and bring forward the ban on new diesel and petrol car sales to 2030!
The government has set a lengthy time frame because it’s concerned the public aren’t on board yet with electric cars -- but a huge public campaign would show decision makers that people across the country take the UK’s climate change commitments seriously.
The ban would only affect new cars, so nobody will be forced to buy a new car until they’re ready to. And the date would coincide with the roll out of major electric-car infrastructure and charging points across the UK.
Green Alliance policy director Dustin Benson said: “The government’s recent industrial strategy cites clean growth as one of the biggest economic opportunities for the UK, but if we keep building and buying dirty cars we’ll miss the growth opportunity of the century.” The experts are clear: the government needs to act sooner for the benefit of the environment and our economy.
Michael Gove: bring forward the ban on new diesel and petrol cars to 2030 -- for the environment and our economy!
When we come together to protect the environment, the government is forced to listen. Over 25,000 SumOfUs members like you signed our petition pressuring Michael Gove to set a target to reduce pesticide use. The science is on our side: now's our chance to make a difference.
More information
Financial Times. 15 March 2018.
The Guardian. 18 March 2018.