Petrol and diesel car ban could be extended as drivers warn 'every family' could be affected

A petition calling for Jersey's Government to extend its consultation on phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles has gained traction after angry drivers argued they were not given sufficient opportunity to contribute.

Michael Cook, who launched the petition, argued key members of the island's motoring community were unable to participate, adding that the deadline should be extended until April 30.

Mr Cook contends that numerous businesses and organisations have been unable to share their expertise and perspectives due to the consultation's limited timeframe.

The petition stated that the proposed changes will affect every household and business on the island, making it essential that all parties have adequate time to voice their opinions.

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The consultation ran from November 6, 2025, until January 30, with public meetings having already concluded and the process now closed.

Mr Cook said in the petition: "I do not believe the consultation has garnered the public attention needed.

"Last-minute changes to venues and consultations held in supermarkets do not correlate to the gravity of the change the Government is proposing."

Jersey's proposed phase-out would prohibit the importation and registration of new and used petrol and diesel cars from 2030.****

Five years later, in 2035, the restrictions would extend to hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and small vans weighing under 3,500kg. All remaining petrol and diesel vehicle types, including hybrids, would face bans after 2035, though specific dates for these categories remain to be confirmed.

The island's approach closely mirrors the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which will see the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles end from 2030.

Since nearly all vehicles brought into Jersey originate from the UK market, the British phase-out will directly shape what new cars are available to island buyers.

Road transport accounts for more than a quarter of Jersey's total greenhouse gas emissions, with petrol and diesel vehicles producing nearly 97,000 tonnes in 2023.

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Car journeys alone generated over 91,000 tonnes, making them the single largest contributor to the island's transport-related pollution.

The phase-out forms a central component of Jersey's Carbon Neutral Roadmap, which the States Assembly approved in 2022, with the aim of achieving net zero in 2050.

While emissions from road transport have declined by 26 per cent since 1990, officials said Jersey's vehicles typically travel fewer miles and remain in use longer than those in larger jurisdictions.

Should the petition reach 1,000 signatures, Government ministers would be required to respond to the concerns raised.

At 5,000 signatures, the State Assembly would consider the matter for formal debate. The petition remains open until July 27.

Jersey has been preparing its infrastructure for increased electric vehicle adoption, with the Evolve public charging network now offering more than 100 points across the island.

Individuals and businesses can apply for a £700 grant towards purchasing a private EV charger through the Electric Vehicle Charger Incentive scheme.

By the end of June 2025, over 3,700 fully electric and 4,400 hybrid vehicles were registered locally.

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