The Government recently announced that any new all diesel and petrol cars will be phased out from the roads in Britain but don’t worry just yet – as it won’t be until the year 2040!
Why is this happening?
Air quality has been in-decline internationally and at home with personal vehicles observed as the main culprit behind the toxic fumes.
The decision came due to ongoing concerns about air pollution levels in many town and cities.
The announcement comes on the back of a report earlier this year that stated that UK cities were at odds with their European counterparts with regards to carbon levels and that action needed to be taken urgently.
The UK recently stood side-by-side with other members of the G20 Paris agreement establishing key targets to reduce greenhouse emissions.
How will the transition go on?
A clean air strategy is to be put in place, which will help local authorities with the transition with the council being awarded funds from the treasury.
The current Environmental Secretary, Michael Gove, has actioned a policy with the confidence that this will reduce the damage to the environment but is unknown what type of arrangement will be put in place for scrapping cars.
The UK will not be alone as France announced a similar initiative two weeks before.
Will this make a big difference?
Of course, the switchover would make a major change to the way we operate from getting to work to the delivery of services and goods.
In the current setting, there would obviously be a major cost factor for the change right now but luckily, we do have 23 years to wait.
It’s generally accepted that the changeover to more environmentally friendly cars is already a major objective for manufacturers globally with more affordable models appearing across the marketplace so the transition may come naturally before that time.
What does this mean for you?
Hybrid vehicles will be included in the ban which is more than likely to upset the ever-expanding models being made by the major car manufacturers.
American electric car giant, Tesla, is also bolstering its influence from across the pond so we’re definitely going to see charging points becoming a familiar sight on our high streets.
Insurance for electric cars is more expensive at the moment and with the lack of charge points outside the big cities, it’s worth waiting for a development in infrastructure before any sort of investment.
What will happen to the value of my vehicle?
Nothing is certain at this point as it’s very early days and with the chance of 5 general elections (or more) happening up until that time, who knows how the policy will adapt or if it’s scrapped. (No pun intended)
Until then, it’s always worth your while getting your car or van valued and with over 18 years of experience within the car buying sector, you can ensure that our team of free valuation gurus price competitively with consultation through every step of the journey.
