At least no one will be able to accuse it of not caring about the environment. The government has just bought forward its ban on all diesel, petrol and hybrid cars to 2035. From that date onwards, you will only be allowed to buy electric or hydrogen vehicles. The gas-guzzling, polluting SUVs we all like so much will be banished from the road, and all those petrol stations will be replaced with sleek charging stations. There is a problem, however, and it is far from a minor one. The government shouldn’t be telling us what to drive – because consumers left to themselves can decide for themselves.
True, there is nothing wrong with electric cars. They are far, far better for the environment. And, a few cranks aside, everyone agrees that improving the environment is an important objective. Even if you don’t go the full-Greta on climate change, it only takes a few minutes standing next to a stationary street full of Chelsea tractors to decide we might all benefit from slightly fresher air.
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