Drivers 'ditch' one type of car ahead of new rules from Labour government
Petrol cars are spiking amid reports Sir Keir Starmer could change incoming controversial rules for road users. The Labour Party government could ditch a 2030 vehicle ban, and it has caused petrol sales to jump since Labour won the General Election back in July.
In the month after the election on July 4, used petrol car sales increased by 6.49 per cent compared to the previous month, with an average of 43,815 vehicles sold weekly. It marks a stark contrast from the plight of electric vehicle (EV) motors.
Only five more EVs were sold per week in the month following the election, with figures barely changing from 3,107 to 3,112. Alastair Campbell, from Marketcheck UK, said the figures were "perhaps surprising", as he addressed the data.
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He added: "The reasons why are up for interpretation - but considering Labour’s vocal support for a 2030 petrol ban, although now softening, this may highlight that used car buyers were spooked into making a purchase immediately following Labour’s election win.”
“On the other hand, Labour’s strong support for the electrification of the car market might suggest a boost in the sale of electric vehicles, which did not come to fruition," he said. He added: "August's EV growth is welcome, but it's always a very low volume month and so subject to distortions ahead of September's number plate change.
"Encouraging a mass market shift to EVs remains a challenge, however, and urgent action must be taken to help buyers overcome affordability issues and concerns about chargepoint provision." Labour had said: “We’re committed to delivering greener transport by supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
“We will provide certainty to manufacturers by restoring the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars, and are committed to accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We will set out further details due course.”