Labour promises to reinstate 2030 petrol and diesel car ban despite 'challenges' with electric vehicles

She announced that ministers would soon announce plans for a consultation on moving the deadline to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030 after it was delayed to 2035.

In the Labour election manifesto, it said it would look to give certainty to manufacturers by returning to the 2030 deadline as part of the automotive sector plan.

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Haigh said: "I think there are challenges with the EV transition – we’re very aware of that, including the lack of certainty that the previous Government introduced by moving back the deadline for transition.

"We’re clear. We’re bringing that forward to 2030 in order to give that clarity to manufacturers, and that should bring down costs for consumers as well.

"So we’ll be making an announcement about consultation on that soon as well," she told the PA news agency.

Haigh, who represents Sheffield Heeley for Labour, said she wanted to ensure electric vehicles are as affordable as possible for drivers.

However, she noted that many Britons are still concerned about the charging infrastructure, echoing comments made by Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband earlier this week.

The latest data from Zapmap confirmed that there are 70,434 chargers across the UK, with 16,569 installed this year alone - nearly double the number installed in the full year last year.

Speaking to the BBC, Miliband said the Government and private businesses needed to come together to ensure that the changing infrastructure across the country was suitable.

There are hopes that the charging network will continue to grow and meet long-term targets of having 300,000 chargers installed by the end of the decade.

It comes as the UK secured a £500million investment boost as bus operator Go Ahead looks to decarbonise its fleet and create 500 UK manufacturing jobs.

This will include creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

The investment will fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next three years which will be seen in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.

The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel and meet with key industry leaders to reaffirm the Government's commitment to decarbonise local transport.

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Commenting on the investment, Louise Haigh said: "The number one mission of this Government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.

"This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses - which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.

"We're creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector. Under this government, Britain is open for business."