HERE we go again.

No more new petrol or diesel cars to be sold in the UK after 2040.

It’s a big, bold statement and I trust not a kneejerk reaction to a High Court ruling forcing ministers to combat air pollution.

All too often announcements such as this one do little to placate either side.

It’s either too draconian or does not go far enough.

Don’t get me wrong, non-polluting battery cars are the right aspiration, but major advances in technology have to be carefully thought through.

For example, we will need to produce 16 per cent more electricity a year to feed these new machines.

I’m afraid I’m instinctively averse to targets, as they’re frequently unrealistic and ultimately politicized by one side or the other.

A proper narrative and common sense are the keys to success, while of course consulting with car manufacturers.

And, let’s not forget the humble motorist in all this.

Having been encouraged to buy diesel cars, there is now talk of taxing them.

In addition, Environment Secretary Michael Gove is to give councils powers to levy charges on the most polluted roads in the UK, with bans at certain times of day for the worst offending vehicles – that could be you, again.

Technology is advancing at an eye-watering pace and there’s no doubt the day of the internal combustion engine is limited.

What I’m not so sure about is the era of the driverless car.

It’s an innovative idea, and new technology will flow from it, but I cannot see it catching on.

Were it to, I don’t see a place on our roads for motorcycles!

So, be careful what you might wish for.

Finally, I’d love to hear Jeremy Clarkson’s view.