'The world has gone mad' - Would a ban on new petrol, diesel cars work in SA?

Cape Town -  Earlier in July, Wheels24 reported that Britain said it would ban the sale of new cars and vans using diesel and petrol, starting in 2040, as authorities move to tackle air pollution.

The announcement follows a similar ban proposed by France and Norway in the same year.

While there are no such plans for South Africa, a European ban on the sale of petrol and diesel-powered cars could affect the local market.

So what does it mean for SA?

The Automobile Association speaks on the ban and possible implications for South Africa.

READ: Euro ban on diesel, petrol vehicles - What does it mean for SA?

The AA said: "It’s important to note, firstly, that the decision to ban all petrol and diesel vehicles is not in force yet. At the moment, it remains a proposal, still in discussion phase. It is, however, a discussion based on sound reasoning; emissions from vehicles remain a serious issue in Europe, and lead to health issues. In addition, the United Kingdom has to meet commitments agreed to at the Paris Climate Accord.

"Secondly, the proposal doesn’t seek to ban the existence of diesel and petrol vehicles, only the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2040. This also means there will be a significant period of phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles over a period of time. With no new petrol or diesel vehicles being sold, manufacturers will have to produce alternative energy vehicles. How long this period is remains to be seen."

Do you think a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles to curb air pollution would work in SA?

SA is nowhere near ready for it - 58%, 13 502 votes
Yes, charging an electric car will be cheaper than fuel - 5%, 1176 
I'm not ready for such a drastic change - 3%, 659
SA will still be using petrol and diesel cars in 2100 - 34%, 7814

We asked readers whether a proposed ban on new petrol and diesel cars would work in SA: