The Gove whirlwind of activity from Defra is astonishing. This decision keeps up with the French announcement and the landmark decision to Volvo to only produce electric cars or hybrids after 2019. 2017 may go down as a landmark year.

Client Earth But critics are pointing out that this plan fails to do take the necessary level of action to address the problems we have now. Laura Grant of CIWEM also develops this theme.

Guardian: ‘Centrepiece of Air Quality Plan to call time on the internal combustion engine, but concerns remain over short term action The government will set out a vision for removing the internal combustion engine from Britain’s roads by setting a 2040 date for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans. The long-awaited Air Quality Plan will be published today and will feature a commitment to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans, alongside wide-ranging plans to increase investment in low emission vehicles and transport infrastructure.’ Click here to read more.