Drivers urged to 'make feelings clear' over new UK petrol and diesel rules

Petrol and diesel drivers have been urged to decide the future of fuels despite an electric vehicle switch. Drivers are being urged to make their feelings clear on the future of fuel changes as the Labour Party government looks to slash emissions from vehicles and transport.

The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) is the main policy from the Labour Party government, which is led by Sir Keir Starmer, to encourage the use of low-carbon fuels in road vehicles, non-road mobile machinery and other surface transport modes.

A new call for evidence launched by the Government earlier today will look at future RTFO targets, how low carbon fuels are rewarded under the RTFO, the development of fuel sub-targets and the administration of the RTFO.

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The call for evidence notes how the Government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is helping motorists across the UK switch to electric vehicles with more vehicles on the market. Commenting on the ZEV Mandate consultation, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said, “Automotive is on track to deliver zero emission motoring, so we welcome this long-awaited consultation on a watershed regulation for the UK new car and van market. We want regulation that gives consumers choice and affordability, and enables manufacturers to transition sustainably and competitively.

While pleased that the proposals rightly reflect the sector’s diversity, Hawes feels that “the late publication and lack of regulatory certainty make product planning near impossible, and the continued lack of clarity as to what technologies will be permitted beyond 2030 undermines attempts to secure investment.”

The ZEV mandate was introduced into the UK from January 2024 and will operate under the powers of the Climate Change Act. The trajectories that the Government is proposing are for the period 2024, when the scheme is introduced, until 2030. New legislation will be introduced to cover 2031 – 2035 at a later point.

In 2024, these targets will be 22% for cars and 10% for vans, and in 2030 will be increased to 80% and 70%, respectively.