Landmark Government plans to ban the sales of new petrol and diesel cars have been welcomed as “progressive” by Fine Gael colleagues.

Plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 are being drafted by the Government, it was revealed today.

The new law aims to encourage motorists to switch to electric cars as part of the State’s long-term plans to combat climate change and global warming.

Officials for Minister for the Environment Richard Bruton are preparing the landmark legislation that would enforce the ban, the Sunday Independent reported.

Mr Bruton, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North, is planning to include the ban as part of the Climate Action (Amendment) Bill 2019, which is due to be published early in the new year.