Plans to prohibit the import of second-handpetrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 have been ditched by the Environment Minister.

Addressing the States, Steve Luce revealed that responses demonstrated "the inclusion ofused vehicles in this policy is clearly not widely supported". He acknowledged that "affordability" for motorists played a crucial role in the decision.

Politicians had previously signed off on phasing out all petrol and diesel vehicles as part of Jersey's Carbon Neutral Roadmap, mirroring the UK's approach. Luce explained the U-turn wasn't solely based on public opinion, but was also shaped by a preliminary economic impact assessment he'd received.

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He offered no indication whether a comparable policy affecting new cars would be abandoned.

In a ministerial statement, Luce disclosed that over 200 responses from individuals and businesses had flooded in during consultation on the vehicle proposals.

He noted that whilst he was still working through the submissions, there was evidently "overwhelming support to modify the approach envisaged in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap".

The initial blueprint had outlined beginning the phase-out and halting the importation of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 onwards.

Yet Luce maintained the scheme was "clearly not widely supported", prompting the policy for used vehicles to be overhauled. "We will not be looking to universally restrict the importation and registration of used vehicles," he said.

"Retaining the flow of used petrol and diesel vehicles into the island will help enable a more just transition for islanders, ensuring the burden of change does not unnecessarily impact on those worst off".

"We must take steps to ensure affordability both at the point of purchase and for vehicle servicing and repairs.

"This is critical to preserving customer choice and ensuring that islanders can manage the costs associated with day to day motoring," he said.

The minister acknowledged that "careful consideration of the impact on emissions" would be required.

Luce revealed he was "reserving judgement" on whether a comparable policy for new vehicles would follow, pending a full review of consultation responses.

However, he cautioned: "New cars may be a challenge as well" given mounting concerns that UK car manufacturers were showing reluctance to export electric vehicles for sale to the Channel Islands.

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