Ministers are thought to be considering a ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars by 2035

A new form of greener petrol will be available on all forecourts from next year under plans to cut emissions.

The Department for Transport will publish plans today to introduce petrol blended with 10 per cent bioethanol — a form of renewable energy produced using crops — as the standard offering at the pump.

It could lead to a cut in carbon dioxide emissions from road transport of 750,000 tonnes a year, equivalent to taking up to 350,000 cars off the road, the ministry said.

It is part of an attempt to clean up vehicles in Britain before plans are made to abolish the sale of new petrol and diesel cars within 15 years. The Times has campaigned for action to improve air quality, including