New green taxes planned for cars and flights: Electric vehicles could face road duty within five years in range of measures to recoup fuel levies lost as vehicles go green
Green taxes on cars and planes are likely to be introduced as part of the Government's delayed Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
A ban on selling HGVs by 2040, cheaper public transport and more electric vehicle charging points are also under consideration. Documents published by the Department for Transport show how ministers plan to shift to more green-friendly forms of travel, including helping drivers switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric ones.
Further 'carbon pricing' for flights could be introduced while a road pricing scheme could offset the anticipated loss of fuel duty from electric vehicles.
The Government will also need to ensure that 'revenue from motoring taxes keeps pace' with the switch to electric.
A ban on selling HGVs by 2040, cheaper public transport and more electric vehicle charging points are also under consideration
The delayed Transport Decarbonisation Plan includes several consultations aimed at cutting transport pollution to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Mike Hawes, head of industry body The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said the sector 'welcomes' the blueprint, but added: 'Massive investment, not least in infrastructure, is necessary and must be delivered at an accelerated pace.'
The plan promises to reconsider carbon prices to 'help accelerate' the transition to green fuels, which could see air fares rise.
Unveiling the strategy in the Commons yesterday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said his 'greenprint' was 'a comprehensive yet urgent strategy to end transport's contribution to climate change within the next three decades'.
In November, the Prime Minister brought forward the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2040 to 2030.
Amazon rainforest emits more CO2 than it absorbs
The Amazon rainforest is emitting more carbon dioxide than it absorbs for the first time, scientists have confirmed.
The emissions, caused by fires and logging, amount to a billion tonnes of carbon dioxide a year, according to a study.
Lead author Professor Luciana Gatti, from the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil, said: 'Each year it's getting worse.'
She blamed the change on 'deforestation and regional climate change'.