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UK Sets 2035 Deadline to Ban New Petrol and Diesel Cars

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -deadline-to-ban-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 6:54 GMT by Birmingham Mail

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UK Government’s “Road to Zero” Plan May Force Drivers to Ditch Their Cars by 2035

A wave of new regulations announced by the UK government is poised to upend the way ordinary motorists use their private vehicles. In a move aimed at meeting the nation’s net‑zero carbon ambitions, the Department for Transport (DfT) has outlined a sweeping “Road to Zero” strategy that will essentially make it impossible for drivers to keep or purchase petrol and diesel cars beyond 2035. The policy, which is part of the government’s broader climate‑action agenda, will compel many drivers to either switch to zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs) or find alternative modes of transport.

1. The Heart of the Plan

The core of the Road to Zero strategy is a complete ban on the sale of new internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) cars from 2030, followed by a gradual phasing‑out of existing ICE fleets. By 2035, all registered passenger cars in the UK will be required to meet strict CO₂ thresholds that are effectively met only by electric, plug‑in hybrids, or hydrogen‑fuel‑cell vehicles.

According to the DfT’s official brief, the plan is structured around three main pillars:

1. A New Low‑Emission Zone (LEZ) Network – Extending and tightening existing LEZs to cover all UK city centres and key transport corridors by 2025, with penalties for high‑emission vehicles that fail to upgrade.
2. Vehicle Scrappage Incentives – A national scrappage scheme that will reward drivers who trade in older, high‑emission cars for new ZEVs. The scheme will offer a minimum £200 rebate per vehicle, with higher incentives for low‑income households.
3. A Climate‑Change Levy on Vehicle Registrations – A progressive tax that will be added to the registration fee for ICE cars. The levy will increase each year, creating a financial disincentive to keep old cars on the road.

The government has stated that the policy is designed to keep the UK on track to meet the 2050 net‑zero target while also addressing the 40 % of total emissions that road transport currently accounts for.

2. What This Means for Drivers

Financial Impact
The immediate cost implication is a hefty levy on ICE cars. While the exact rate is yet to be confirmed, the DfT has suggested a structure where the first £10,000 of registration will carry a 10 % surcharge, escalating to 20 % for cars over £30,000. For many drivers, especially those who cannot afford a new ZEV, this will be a significant annual expense.

Scrappage and Incentives
The scrappage scheme offers a partial offset: drivers who hand in a vehicle that is 10 years or older (or 12 years for the 2025 phase) can receive a rebate that can be applied as a discount on a new ZEV. For instance, a £20,000 electric car could be purchased for as little as £17,800 after the rebate.

Infrastructure and Accessibility
The plan also hinges on expanding the charging infrastructure. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has earmarked £500 million for the installation of new public charging points by 2030, with a focus on urban areas and high‑traffic corridors. Local councils, including Birmingham City Council, are expected to accelerate the rollout of fast‑charge stations in partnership with private firms.

3. Government Rationale and Public Response

Environmental Justification
“Driving us towards zero emissions isn’t just an environmental imperative—it’s a societal one,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps at a press briefing. “We have a legal obligation under the Climate Change Act to deliver net‑zero by 2050. This policy will cut the carbon footprint of our road network by an estimated 20 % by 2035.”

Economic and Social Concerns
The policy has triggered criticism from several quarters. Vehicle‑industry lobby groups, such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), warn that a sudden ban could cripple the domestic automotive supply chain, leading to job losses and higher prices for new cars. In a statement, the SMMT called for a “phased and measured approach” that includes “robust transition mechanisms for workers and regions.”

Civil‑society organisations also raise concerns about “fuel poverty” and the financial burden on low‑income households. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) argued that the policy could exacerbate inequality if the cost of electric vehicles remains out of reach for many.

Public Reaction
A recent survey conducted by YouGov found that 58 % of UK drivers are “uncomfortable” with the idea of being forced to ditch their cars, while 27 % view the change as “necessary.” Many respondents cited the lack of confidence in electric‑vehicle range, high upfront costs, and the inconvenience of locating charging points as their main worries.

4. International Context and Comparisons

The UK is not the only country pushing for a carbon‑free vehicle fleet. France, Italy, and several Nordic nations have already set similar bans on ICE vehicles by 2035‑2040. Germany’s “Elektromobilitätsstrategien” targets a 70 % share of new car sales by 2030. The UK’s Road to Zero is positioned as part of this global momentum to reduce road‑transport emissions.

5. Links for Further Reading

• Department for Transport – Road to Zero Strategy: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/road-to-zero-plan
• DECC – Charging Infrastructure Funding: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/decc-announces-funding-for-public-charging-infrastructure
• Birmingham City Council – Climate Action Plan: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20014/climate_action/1110/climate_action_plan
• SMMT – Statement on ICE Vehicle Ban: https://www.smmt.co.uk/news/2024/transport-secretary-announces-plan-to-ditch-ice-vehicles-by-2035/

6. Bottom Line

The UK’s Road to Zero plan represents a bold, if controversial, step towards a cleaner, greener future. While the government’s goal of achieving net‑zero emissions by 2050 is laudable, the timeline and financial mechanisms outlined in the policy will place significant pressure on drivers, car manufacturers, and the broader economy.

For now, the debate continues: will the UK successfully transition to a zero‑emission vehicle fleet without crippling its automotive sector? Or will the policy be revised to provide a more gradual, equitable shift? The coming months will be critical as the government finalises the levy rates, expands charging infrastructure, and engages with industry stakeholders to iron out the practical details.

In the meantime, drivers are advised to keep abreast of the latest announcements and start exploring their options—whether that means saving for an electric vehicle, researching lease or loan incentives, or considering alternative modes of transport such as cycling, public transit, or shared mobility services. The Road to Zero is more than a headline; it’s a call to action that will shape the way we move around the UK for the next decade and beyond.