THE MS for Aberconwy has welcomed the introduction of E10 as the new standard grade of petrol to make fuel pumps more eco-friendly.

Janet Finch-Saunders, who is also shadow minister for climate change, said the petrol change is a "significant boost" to work to reduce the carbon footprint of motorists across the UK.

E10 is made of up to 10 percent renewable ethanol, including materials such as low-grade grains, sugars and waste wood, making it a greener solution than the existing standard E5 petrol.

The UK Government Department for Transport said the new fuel could cut carbon emissions by 750,000 tonnes a year - the equivalent of taking 350,000 cars off the road.

More than 95 per cent of all petrol vehicles are compatible with E10, with the small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, still able to access E5 petrol in the ‘super’ grade. Motorists are advised to use the UK Government’s free online E10 checker to check if their vehicle is compatible.

“This positive forecourt change will enable the UK to push forward and meet our ambitious net zero targets, representing a significant gear shift in driver responsibility as our green coronavirus recovery continues in earnest," said Mrs Finch-Saunders.

“With the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars scheduled for 2030, this is an important interim measure that will inevitably support a larger transition to electric as hurdles around charging and price are overcome.

“Given that energy giant Shell has revealed plans to install 50,000 on-street electric vehicle charging points across the UK by 2025, and correspondence with the likes of Cartrefi Conwy revealing that Welsh housing associations are undertaking the necessary cross-sector conversations to bolster charging capabilities near homes, it is heartening to see that policy is travelling in the right direction.”