France to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040

France’s new Minister of Ecological and Solidary Transition Nicolas Hulot has announced the Government’s intention to outlaw all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.

Hulot made the announcement at a news conference unveiling a five-year plan to encourage clean energy and fulfil the country's commitments under the Paris climate accord. .

Hulot said France's car manufacturers have projects that "can fulfill that promise."

"The solutions are there, our own makers have in their boxes the means to fulfill this promise," said the former TV presenter, who referred to it "public health" issue.

As part of the plan, poorer households will receive a premium so they can swap their polluting vehicles for clean alternatives.