Motorists across a popular UK region who drive petrol or diesel vehicles have been urged to have their say on proposals that could see them barred from importing cars within the next four years.
The Government of Jersey has launched a public consultation seeking views on plans to gradually remove fossil fuel-powered vehicles from the island’s roads, beginning in 2030.
However, time is running short for residents to submit their opinions, with the consultation closing this week on Friday, January 30.
The proposals form a central part of the island‘s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in its Carbon Neutral Roadmap approved by the States Assembly in April 2022.
Environment Minister Steve Luce described the initiative as a “really significant but necessary change for Jersey”.
Under the proposed changes, the importation and registration of new or used petrol and diesel cars would be prohibited from 2030 onwards.
A second phase would follow five years later, with hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids and small vans powered by petrol or diesel facing the same restrictions.
Larger vehicles, including HGVs and agricultural machinery, would be addressed after 2035, though specific dates for these categories remain to be confirmed. The Government has indicated that appropriate exemptions will be established for each stage of the transition.
Under the proposals, petrol and diesel cars would no longer be allowed to be imported to the island
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Notably, between 40 and 50 per cent of vehicles brought into Jersey annually are second-hand, with used vehicles falling within the scope of these restrictions to accelerate the decarbonisation of the island fleet.
Deputy Luce has sought to reassure vehicle owners that the changes will not force anyone to give up their current car or van. “I’d like to emphasise that nobody will need to surrender or scrap their vehicle,” he stated.
The minister explained that the Government wanted islanders to continue driving their existing vehicles until they reach the end of their useful lifespan, at which point they should be replaced with zero or low emission alternatives.
Officials have also acknowledged concerns surrounding the disposal of electric vehicles and their batteries.
Work is currently underway to ensure Jersey motorists will have straightforward access to recycling and disposal facilities, with vehicle manufacturers bearing producer responsibility for these components.
Road transport accounted for more than a quarter of Jersey’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with figures from 2023 showing these vehicles produced nearly 97,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Car journeys alone were responsible for over 91,000 tonnes, making them the single largest contributor to the island’s transport-related pollution.
The shift towards cleaner vehicles has already gained momentum among islanders, with more than 3,700 fully electric cars and 4,400 hybrids registered locally by the end of June 2025.
The Jersey Government hoped the 2030 phase-out date would improve air emissions in the area
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PASince 1990, emissions from road transport have dropped by 26 per cent, representing a reduction of almost 34,500 tonnes over three decades.
However, officials stressed action must be taken now to accelerate this decline if Jersey is to meet its 2050 net zero target.
They stated: “The transition to electric vehicles will take time, as vehicles are replaced as they come to the end of their lives.
“In order to achieve the required level of emissions reductions at the pace needed to limit the worst impacts of climate change, lower carbon petrol and diesel alternatives are also likely to have a significant role to play.”