The United Kingdom is now on a slower path to achieving cleaner air in its towns and cities after the government bowed to automotive industry pressure and eased rules designed to phase out polluting vehicles. The decision will result in more petrol cars being sold over the next decade than originally planned.
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate was a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to reduce transport-related emissions, a major source of air pollution. By forcing manufacturers to sell more electric cars, the policy was set to accelerate the removal of petrol and diesel engines from UK roads.
However, a successful lobbying campaign by carmakers including Toyota, Nissan, and JLR has weakened the mandate. The companies argued that the original targets were economically unsustainable and threatened UK jobs. The government responded by introducing “flexibilities,” which climate advisers had warned could lead to a net increase in carbon emissions.
For environmental and public health advocates, this is a significant setback. They argue that while the industry focused on financial metrics, the real cost of a slower transition will be paid by citizens through prolonged exposure to harmful pollutants and a delayed response to the climate crisis.