The government has launched a consultation on the phasing out of the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.

In a written statement to Parliament, published today, transport secretary Heidi Alexander accused the previous government of causing “significant harm to the industry by moving goalposts on phase out dates”, promising greater clarity for manufacturers.

“No new petrol or diesel cars will be sold after 2030. All new cars and vans will need to be 100% zero emission by 2035,” she said.

Alexander said transitioning to zero emission vehicles is not only an “environmental necessity” but an “opportunity for the UK to lead in cutting edge technologies”.

This transition may not be as smooth sailing as hoped, however, with ministers admitting late last year that they were “profoundly concerned” about the policy’s impact on the industry, promising a review – with a possible view to easing the policy.

The government’s open consultation, which runs until midnight on 18 February, can be found here.