PLANS to ban the importation of second-hand petrol and diesel cars from 2030 have been shelved.
The government’s strategy to decarbonise the Island by 2050 – called the ‘Carbon Neutral Roadmap’ and backed by the States Assembly in 2022 – had included a proposal that all new and used fossil-fuel-burning vehicles imported to the Island would be proscribed in four years’ time.
However, Environment Minister Steve Luce told Members on Tuesday that second-hand cars would now be removed from the equation – after public feedback had made it clear that it was unwanted and impractical.
However, the plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars from 1 January 2030, which aligns with UK Government policy, is still possible – but the minister said he was “reserving his position” on that.
Deputy Luce said he would set out his plan on this by the end of March but conceded that introducing a ban on new cars would be “a challenge as well” – because manufacturers in the UK do not want to send electric cars to Jersey because they are not included in UK government-set quotas they must adhere to.
Talking about the process before making his decision, he said: “This has been a significant consultation on a major decision for the Island. Over 2,000 individuals and businesses completed the consultation of survey. We have also received dozens of written responses and seen hundreds of Islanders at consultation events.
“We are now carefully analysing all submissions received but it has already become very clear that there is overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
“In particular, the inclusion of used vehicles in the scope of this policy has been something that is clearly not widely supported. I have therefore concluded that, as we proceed with the phase-out, in whatever form, we will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles.”
He added: “However, it is not just public sentiment that has led me to this initial conclusion. Having now also received an early briefing on the economic impact assessment that has been undertaken in parallel with the consultation, I think there are other compelling reasons to announce this shift.
“Retaining the flow of used petrol and diesel vehicles into the Island will help enable a more just transition for Islanders, ensuring the burden of change does not unnecessarily impact on those worst off.
“We must take steps to ensure affordability both at the point of purchase and for vehicle servicing and repairs. This is critical to preserving customer choice and ensuring that Islanders can manage the costs associated with day-to-day motoring.
“Further, it is essential that any changes in Jersey take account of and are aligned with the markets that serve us to avoid significant costs.
“I must stress, this is only a preliminary announcement intended to provide the early clarity I promised to motorists and the motor trades. In removing used vehicles from the policy scope, we are still left with some key choices about how we best reflect and formalise the UK’s planned phase-out, which is due to come into effect in 2030.”
Facing questions from Members, Deputy Luce told the Assembly that he thought that Vehicle Emissions Duty – which increases in line with the amount of carbon an engine emits – provided a suitable incentive for people to buy cleaner cars, rather than bringing in MOT-style inspections.
He added that an early task of the Environment Minister in the next Assembly would be to sit down with the Treasury Minister to devise a new tax for road vehicles, to replace the falling revenues from fuel duty.
This could, he suggested, be based on emissions, the type of engine or the size of the vehicle itself.
As well as the 2030 ban, the government’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap proposes that, from 2035, all cars and small vans coming into Jersey must be fully electric, with other vehicles will be phased out at a later date.
Under the strategy, classic and adapted cars and special vehicles like ambulances and hearses would be exempt.
Road transport is the single biggest polluter in Jersey making up 27% of the Island’s emissions.
