These are the key motoring promises from UK parties in the run-up to next week’s general election
WILL RIMELL
Reinstating EV incentives, bringing back the 2030 ICE car sales ban, fixing potholes and scrapping ULEZs are just some of the headline automotive policies being put forward by the UK’s political parties as the country gears up to head to the polls next Thursday.
The Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and other parties have each positioned the automotive industry and the future of motoring as key parts of their manifestos.
This is in recognition that changes in this sphere have huge implications for voters’ personal freedoms and the health of the British industrial economy.
Parties also know that policies focused on electric cars could be a vote winner, as could pledges to repair roads and tackle rising fuel prices.
But what are each of the UK-wide parties promising ahead of the 4 July general election? Here we break down their manifestos.
CONSERVATIVES
Cars and motoring are a big part of the Conservatives’ manifesto, which has more vehicle-based promises than any other party’s.
First, leader Rishi Sunak has pledged to support EV buyers with a “truly nationwide” charging infrastructure. This is mainly focused on providing more rapid-charging sites.
However, no incentives to boost the number of EVs being sold have been promised. Last year, the Conservative government pushed back the new ICE car sales ban to 2035 to allow for more time to get the country EV-ready.
The mass rollout of autonomous vehicles is also on the Conservatives’ agenda, although only a loose “within the next parliament” timeframe has been given for the introduction of relevant legislation.
Further road improvements have been promised on top of the £40 billion spent on “strategic” roads since 2015.
Elsewhere, the party has promised to “back” the automotive industry – which it calls the “jewel in our manufacturing crown” – as it faces stiff competition from China.
“We stand ready to support domestic car manufacturers if there is evidence other countries are breaking global trade rules,” it stated.
Sunak has also pledged to support car makers transitioning to electric power “to safeguard skilled British jobs”.
Although not mentioned in the manifesto, a key point will be whether the party aligns with the EU in putting large tariffs on Chinese EVs. Previously, transport s
