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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 20th 2025 at 2:42 GMT by BBC
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Britain’s Bold Move: Phasing Out Petrol and Diesel Cars by 2035

The BBC’s reporting on the UK government’s latest transport policy is a deep dive into one of the most consequential decisions the country has made in over a decade. The plan, announced in the summer and set to take effect in 2035, will see all new cars sold in Britain required to be zero‑emission or run on hydrogen or electric power. Below is a detailed summary of the article, including the additional context gleaned from the links embedded within it.

The Core of the Plan

The article begins by framing the policy as part of the UK’s broader commitment to net‑zero emissions by 2050. The government’s Transport Secretary, Michael Ellis, announced that the ban on petrol and diesel sales will come into force in 2035 – a full 15 years ahead of the EU’s own target, which has been extended to 2035 in the EU Green Deal.

“The transition will be managed to protect consumers, businesses and the economy, while ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in clean transport.” (Source: BBC News)

Under the plan, all new cars, vans and commercial vehicles must meet a progressively stricter emissions standard, culminating in a zero‑emission requirement by 2035. The policy also introduces a “green vehicle tax” that will gradually phase out fossil‑fuel subsidies, while providing financial incentives for low‑emission alternatives.

The Government’s Rationale

The article cites several key reasons for the accelerated timeline:

1. Climate Imperative – Transport accounts for 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Eliminating new petrol and diesel sales would cut 6–8 million tonnes of CO₂ annually by 2035.
2. Health Benefits – Reduced air pollution could lower respiratory and cardiovascular diseases by up to 3% across the population.
3. Economic Growth – The policy is expected to boost the UK’s green technology sector, creating over 200,000 new jobs in manufacturing, battery production and charging infrastructure.

The policy aligns with the Department for Transport’s 2024 climate strategy, which details a “roadmap for a net‑zero future.” (Followed link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/department-for-transport-climate-strategy)

Industry and Public Reaction

The article captures a range of responses. The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) welcomed the clear timetable, citing the need for certainty in investment. However, they warned of a “short‑term pain” for vehicle exporters and the need for “robust support” for rural customers.

Automotive manufacturers such as Ford and Toyota issued joint statements acknowledging the policy but called for phased implementation to allow the industry to ramp up production of electric and hydrogen vehicles. The article quotes an executive from Ford UK: “We’re already working on our electric lineup, but a 2035 deadline gives us a window to grow the supply chain.”

Public opinion is mixed. A BBC‑sponsored poll shows 63% of Britons support the ban, while 12% oppose it outright. Concerns revolve around the cost of new vehicles, the reliability of charging networks, and the impact on rural and low‑income households.

Infrastructure Challenges

The article provides a thorough analysis of the charging infrastructure requirements. According to the Department for Transport, the UK must install 150,000 new charging points by 2028 and 250,000 by 2033. The plan includes a mix of fast‑charging stations on motorways, public chargers in towns, and home‑charging support for those with access to private driveways.

The BBC also follows a link to the National Grid report on the grid’s capacity to support widespread electrification, which highlights the need for smart‑grid solutions and battery storage to handle peak demand during charging hours.

Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels

While electric vehicles (EVs) dominate the narrative, the article emphasizes that the government is also investing heavily in hydrogen technology. It cites the Hydrogen Strategy 2024, which aims to secure a UK supply chain capable of producing 1.5 GW of green hydrogen by 2030. The strategy includes subsidies for heavy‑goods and bus fleets to transition to hydrogen fuel cells.

The article follows a link to the UK Hydrogen Council, detailing pilot projects such as a hydrogen‑powered bus network in Leeds. These projects are seen as critical proof‑points for scaling the technology.

International Context

A significant portion of the article contextualises Britain’s policy against global trends. It references the EU Green Deal and the European Commission’s proposal for a “Climate Act” that would require member states to set a 2035 end‑date for new petrol and diesel cars. The BBC links to the European Commission’s official document, which shows a broader European push towards zero‑emission vehicles.

The policy is also compared to China’s aggressive EV subsidies and Japan’s 2030 hydrogen target, positioning Britain as a potential leader in the post‑fossil fuel transport era.

Economic Impact and Transition Measures

The BBC article breaks down the fiscal side of the policy. It notes that the green vehicle tax will generate approximately £5 billion annually by 2035, earmarked for charging infrastructure, battery recycling, and incentives for low‑income households to switch to EVs. The government is also planning a “Buy‑back” scheme for older internal‑combustion engines, offering rebates to stimulate the used‑car market for electric models.

In the final sections, the article outlines a “transition plan” for 2024–2035, which includes:

• A step‑by‑step increase in emissions standards each year.
• A £50 million “EV Accessibility Fund” for rural communities.
• Partnerships with the Automotive Technology Partnership (ATP) to upgrade manufacturing facilities.

Conclusion

Britain’s decision to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 is a landmark moment in the country’s environmental and economic history. The BBC article presents a comprehensive overview, from policy details and industry reactions to the infrastructural, financial, and international dimensions of the transition. By following the embedded links, readers gain a deeper understanding of the government’s strategy, the technology drivers behind the shift, and the broader context within which Britain is positioning itself as a global clean‑transport leader.

For further reading, the BBC links to the Department for Transport’s climate strategy, the National Grid’s grid capacity report, the UK Hydrogen Council’s pilot projects, and the European Commission’s Climate Act—each offering nuanced insights into the multi‑faceted journey toward a zero‑emission future.