First Aussie city commits to banning petrol cars

Australia's capital will be the country's first region to introduce a policy to phase out fossil-fuel-powered cars.

The ACT is set to unveil a policy later this week which will prevent people from purchasing a new fossil-fuel power vehicle from 2035.

Under the Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy, Canberra and the ACT will commit to phasing out light petrol cars and giving people incentives to switch to an electric vehicle, The Guardian reported.

Energy expert and Climate Councillor Andrew Stock welcomed the news of the ACT leading Australia out of the "slow lane" and moving towards electric vehicles.

“The ACT has set the bar for the rest of the country in reducing emissions from light passenger vehicle fleets, while also delivering lower pollution levels and a reduced reliance on expensive petrol,” he said.

“Transport is the fastest growing source of emissions in Australia and among the top three sources of emissions (behind stationary energy and land use).

"Reducing emissions in the transport sector is key to delivering the urgent emissions cuts needed this decade to meet global temperature goals.”

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ACT Minister for Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said by 2035, the government won't be pulling all-petrol vehicles off the road.

“Our intent is that from 2035, you will not be able to put new (cars) on the road,” he said according to news.com.au.

“But the government does not intend to take your car off the road if you’re driving around in an all-petrol vehicle at the start of the year.”

Australia a dumping ground for high-emission vehicles

Mr Stock said in a statement Australia has a "poor" track record with regards to fuel emissions and electric transport.

Because of this, Australia has become a "dumping ground" for high emitting vehicles, he said.

“The Federal Government can turn this around by rapidly implementing strong fuel efficiency standards, which would incentivise manufacturers to send cleaner and zero-emissions vehicles to Australia,” he said.

“All other Australian states and territories should step up and set similar targets to shift to an electric transport system that reduces emissions, and can be powered by affordable, homegrown renewable energy rather than imported oil.”

The ACT already offers incentives for people and businesses to opt for electric vehicles.

Eligible households can get up to $15,000 to put towards an electric vehicle and people can get two years free ACT vehicle registration if they get a new or used zero-emissions vehicle.

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