European Parliament votes to end sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2035

The European Parliament has today (Tuesday) voted to phase out the sale of any new petrol and diesel cars by 2035.

The ban on sales of internal combustion engine vehicles was billed as a landmark European Green Deal decision. It also included a commitment to reduce overall car emissions by 55% between now and 2030.

"Today we set out a new vision for our towns and rural areas. A Europe built for people, not for traffic," Irish Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan said in European Parliament debate in Strasbourg today.

"About 18% of Ireland’s total emissions come from road transport, so this is a crucial sector to support in the transition to a more sustainable future.

"It's also one of the only areas where we already hold all of the keys to solve the issue at hand - strong investment in public transport, pedestrian friendly towns and affordable electric vehicles. Rural Ireland in particular should be supported as a priority."

The five Fine Gael MEPs also voted in favour of all cars and vans going fully electric by 2035.

Seán Kelly, Frances Fitzgerald, Deirdre Clune, Maria Walsh and Colm Markey confirmed they had backed the ambitious target in a bid to tackle climate change during today's European Parliament vote on EU draft laws to combat climate change as part of the 'FitFor55' package.

"We welcome today's vote results. The Parliament seized the opportunity to be more ambitious in tackling climate change by taking concrete steps to address the emissions of the transport sector," said Seán Kelly, MEP, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament.

"We need to encourage and incentivise the use of greener technologies and energy where possible. A practical approach to our targets and implementation is vital, however, and most importantly supporting people, households and businesses in the transition to a greener economy," he said.