Commenting on today’s announcement from the BEIS Select Committee who are calling upon government to bring the ban on diesel and petrol vehicles forward to 2032 and are requesting a national roll-out of electric charging points across the UK, BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said:
Commenting on today’s announcement from the BEIS Select Committee who are calling upon government to bring the ban on diesel and petrol vehicles forward to 2032 and are requesting a national roll-out of electric charging points across the UK, BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said:
“The Government’s electric vehicle strategy needs to move from one based on visions to one based on actions. If India, China and Scotland feel able to set a target of banning new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, then the UK should be brave enough to meet that challenge as well.
“As the purchasers of more than 50% of all new vehicles sold in the UK each year, the vehicle rental and leasing industry is more than capable of delivering this transition to zero emission transport – if the government can provide the right supportive environment.
“The Government needs to do a lot more than just boost the roll-out of electric charging points. We need a comprehensive and joined up set of national and local incentives for electric vehicle users, plus a clear roadmap for how they will be taxed.
“At the moment, we have a misguided strategy that is withdrawing incentives and raising taxes for electric vehicles at the exact time we are trying to drive uptake. The coming Budget offers a perfect opportunity for the Government to address these glaring policy gaps. The whole automotive industry is speaking with one voice on this, but no-one in Government appears to be listening.”
