Government is still encouraging Brits to buy diesel cars despite total ban in 2040
Motorists have been discouraged from buying diesel motors in the war on emissions - but a Government minister has now claimed the fuel source 'still has a place' on British roads
THE Government is still encouraging Brits to buy diesel cars, despite announcing a total ban on the fuel source set for 2040.
The Road To Zero report will make plug-in hybrids, electric and hydrogen cars the only legal new models - but drivers have been urged to still consider diesel for the near future.
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, has now claimed the report will encourage motorists to opt for diesel power until new regulations come into place.
According to , Clark told the FT Future Of The Car Summit there was "still a place for diesel cars".
Greg Clark said: "I think it’s important to say that new-generation diesel engines can make big contribution to reducing our emissions.
"I would expect the contribution of the higher standards of efficiency and emissions performance of diesel engines to continue to drive improvements in air quality and our greenhouse gas performance.
"It would be the wrong decision for people to think that holding on to an existing diesel vehicle rather than upgrading to a much more environmentally friendly new one is a good step for the planet.
"There’s a place for diesel vehicles and there will be for some time to come.
"If you’re driving a diesel-powered car long distances then that’s a very different impact than in the city. So we need to make sure people make the right choices for the environment and for their own use."
Clark's advice is a stark contrast to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling's comments last year.
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Grayling suggested people should think “long and hard” before they buy a diesel motor.
According to conditions due to be set out in the Government's report, new cars that can't travel more than 50 miles on electricity won't be allowed to be sold after 2040.
While the full Road To Zero report is yet to be released, an estimated 98 per cent of cars on sale today would be banned under the proposals.