Importation of petrol and diesel vehicles
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WQ.327/2025
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY M.B. ANDREWS OF ST HELIER NORTH
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 15th SEPTEMBER 2025 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 2025
Question
"Further to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap Progress Report, published in July 2025, stating that the end of the importation and registration of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 (Policy TR5) is on track, will the Minister advise –
- whether he assesses this timeline to be appropriate and, if so, explain his reasons;
- what impact, if any, he anticipates the ban might have on middle- and lower- income households, and is there a risk that it could prevent such households from being able to replace their existing vehicles; and
- whether a cost comparison between electric, diesel, and petrol vehicles has been, or is to be, undertaken and, if so, will he provide details of the outcome identifying any ramifications which he considers might affect middle- and lower- income households to afford the transition?"
Answer
- In 2022, the States Assembly agreed the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, including policy TR5 to: End the importation and registration of petrol and diesel vehicles that are new to the Island from 2030.' The priority in bringing forward the petrol and diesel vehicle phase-out, is to provide early clarity for motor traders and motorists ahead of the first stage, which will take effect from 2030. A public consultation will be held in the coming months to ensure Islanders can help shape the final policy position.
This timeline is appropriate to support preparations for Jersey's phase-out, in line with the changes that will also come in across the UK in 2030. Emissions from petrol and diesel cars produce 25% of Jersey's annual greenhouse gas emissions; it is essential that we take steps now to secure the phase-out of these vehicles by 2050.
- The Carbon Neutral Roadmap commits to a Just Transition, where the costs of the transition do not disproportionately fall on people on lower incomes, and net zero policies do not overall increase income inequality. As part of the transition to net zero, developing the Island's sustainable transport infrastructure and services goes hand in hand with decarbonising the Island's vehicle fleet, to increase choice, improve health and reduce costs. Instead of purchasing a private vehicle, some Islanders may choose to make increased use of public transport and active modes of travel, as well as taking advantage of shared mobility options through car club membership and on-demand hire services.
Our expectation is that from 2030 Islanders from low and middle-income households will still be able to purchase new and used cars to suit their budget and lifestyle.
Almost all vehicles registered in Jersey originate from the UK. From 2030, new petrol and diesel cars will no longer be sold in the UK. [1]Industry is already preparing for this change, with new vehicles being developed in readiness for this transition. Manufacturers will need to ensure that they continue to offer a wide range of vehicles to motorists from all segments of the market. The
lower running and maintenance costs of electric and hybrid vehicles, compared to petrol and diesel alternatives, will be a key consideration for motorists when making purchasing decisions.
From 2030, no one in Jersey who owns a petrol or diesel vehicle will be required to give it up. There will be no restrictions on the resale of vehicles that are already in Jersey. One of the most sustainable behaviours for motorists is to continue to use a vehicle until the end of its working life.
Ahead of Jersey's 2030 phase-out, we are working to mature the local used electric vehicle (EV) market, to reduce financial barriers to EV ownership. 81% of the EVs bought through the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI), which closed in December 2024, were used vehicles. As these vehicles are bought and sold in the coming years, alongside others added to the Island's fleet, the number of older and cheaper EVs will increase. Annual increases to vehicle emissions duty (VED) are already working to encourage Islanders to select zero and lower emissions vehicles, with higher charges in place for more polluting vehicles.
- From 2030, the intention is that Islanders purchasing a car which has been newly imported to Jersey, will need to choose between a full EV or a hybrid electric vehicle. Examination of the relative cost of all types of new and used vehicles may be undertaken closer to 2030 to understand how the market has evolved ahead of the phase-out. This analysis will include the running and maintenance costs of vehicles, as well as the purchase price. Analysis of this sort at the present time would be premature and unlikely to reliably inform policy decisions for implementation in 2030 and beyond. Economic analysis will form part of the policy development process for the 2030 phase-out and contribute to the consideration of the just-transition.