Deputy Kevin Lewis added that the move would stop the Island from becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for unsaleable cars from the UK and EU. His words follow the UK’s announcement that the sale of these vehicles will be banned from 2035 instead of 2040.
During the same States sitting, it was agreed that ministers would discuss the potential introduction of another bold environmental measure – banning the importation of plastic bags.
The discussion followed calls by a number of States Members for the Environment Minister to ‘be brave’ and lead the way in banning plastic bags.
Responding to a question from Deputy Steve Luce about the UK’s move to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035, Deputy Lewis told the Assembly: ‘I think we need to be equal to the UK, if not a few months prior to the UK, simply because we cannot allow Jersey to be a dumping ground for vehicles that cannot sell in the UK or the European Union.
‘So, I have only heard the news today, as most people have, but it is something that we will be keeping a watching brief on.’
In Jersey carbon emissions from road transport amount to 118kt CO2eq – the majority (63%) of the 187kt CO2eq of carbon emissions from transport.
The Island’s Carbon Neutral Strategy, published on New Year’s Eve, outlines a vision for how Jersey might become carbon neutral. The States Assembly is to be asked to vote for the creation of a new Citizens’ Assembly – a group of up to 50 selected Islanders who will help to create policy on how to deal with reducing Jersey’s carbon footprint.
Members will also be asked to agree on four principles concerning neutral status, carbon off-setting plans and the ‘people approach’. And by the end of next year, the government says it will produce a ‘long-term climate action plan’.
The strategy includes data on the potential costs of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 – many years ahead of other jurisdictions – or later. It found that a rapid vehicle abatement programme – for example, through an earlier implementation of a ban on the registration of fossil-fuel vehicles – could lead to a lower overall cost because funding for financial incentives to buy electric vehicles or scrap petrol or diesel cars is only required over a shorter period. However, the report found that there may be other costs associated with implementing an earlier ban.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday said the ban would come even earlier than 2035, if possible. After the UK ban comes into force, residents wanting to buy a new car would only be able to buy electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
According to the BBC, the move was made after climate experts warned that the government’s previous target would lead to fossil-fuelled vehicles still being on the road beyond 2050.
Denmark, Ireland, Holland and Sweden are due to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.
