Banning new petrol and diesel car sales from 2040 'will cost trillions' says FairFuelUK Campaign

Whilst welcoming the fact that Michael Gove has listened by not using punitive toxic tax hikes to hit hardworking drivers – a victory for FairFuelUK’s extensive campaigning and working closely with MPs from all parties – FairFuelUK say banning new diesel and petrol car sales by 2040 will cost trillions to consumers and the economy.

The fact that carbon-based fuels will be phased out in favour of cleaner fuels is inevitable, says FairFuelUK but to do it as a cliff edge in 20 years is “naïve and ill thought out.” New fuel technologies, they say should be phased in to work effectively and be supported, without a target date to terminate diesel and petrol.

Howard Cox, founder of the FairFuel UK Plan said, “We have practical proven ways to reduce emissions available now. Why has Michael Gove ignored these in favour of a draconian policy that will hit small businesses and low-income families the hardest.”

With several proven solutions to lowering emissions available now, such as retrofitting systems, bulk additives and for the petrol mix of bioethanol to move from e5 to e10, the FairFuelUK says the minister has missed an opportunity to solve the emissions issue now, fairly and at little cost.

Quentin Willson, lead spokesman for FairFuelUK said: “So by 2040, no fuel stations, no garage repairs, no car parts suppliers and 15m diesels scrapped. The cost will be trillions.”

Howard Cox, added, “The energy supply infrastructure and the National Grid will disintegrate in a breakneck move to nascent electric technology which will guarantee to cripple the economy.”