With the volume of new-technology cars set to increase substantially in Wales and with the UK Government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, North Wales MS Mark Isherwood has called on the Welsh Government to start planning now for a road network for the future.
Intervening during yesterday’s Welsh Conservative debate on the Roads Review, in which members held the Labour Government to account for the Deputy Minister for Climate Change’s decision to scrap the majority of new roads being built in Wales, Mr Isherwood said:
“Why have you not acknowledged that the 'current Tory Government' has banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030, and that with effect from 2035 all new cars and vans will be fully zero emission at the tailpipe, which means that we need a road network for the future, planning now and delivering for that network, given the volume of new-technology cars that will definitely be on the roads then?”
The Minister for Climate Change disagreed.
She said:
“If you're replacing all of the current cars on the road with electric or low-emission vehicles, you simply have a different climate crisis to look at. What we need here is a different solution to transport that does not rely on individual car transport.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Isherwood added:
““Contrary to the Minister’s response, research has shown that electric cars are better for the environment. They emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. And this takes into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running.”