All new trucks in UK to be zero-emission by 2040
The British government has confirmed its commitment to the decarbonisation of the country’s road freight sector. Along with the gradual phase-out of diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles, the hauliers, which are based in the United Kingdom, will purchase new zero-emission trucks. This will result in a completely new and environmentally-friendly fleet being operated on the island state.
“The UK will become the first country in the world to commit to phasing out new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035, with all new HGVs sold in the UK to be zero-emission by 2040,” the country’s Department for Transport announced on Wednesday, 10 November. With this statement, the kingdom has confirmed its pledge for zero-emission road transport.
At the same time, the British government is planning to focus on electric vehicles (EV). To this end, a new design for electric vehicle charge points, which was jointly developed together with the Royal College of Art and PA Consulting, was demonstrated in the UK Pavilion at COP26. “My vision is for the UK to have one of the best EV infrastructure networks in the world, with excellent British design at its heart,” noted UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Support from industry
Several players from the road freight sector, including British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and DPDgroup UK, supported the governmental initiative. “Today’s announcement is a welcome update and will support the industry in its drive towards decarbonisation. BVRLA members are already leading the way in making positive changes and it’s vital that regulations acknowledge the different challenges experienced from one vehicle type to another,” said Gerry Keaney, CEO of BVRLA. However, the umbrella organisation stressed the necessity of a specific plan in decarbonising road transport.
“We totally support the withdrawal of the selling of new, non-zero emission HGVs in the UK by 2035, as we do the sale of new diesel/petrol final mile fleet vehicles by 2030. We would urge all parties involved in the supply of alternative green HGVs to press the fast forward button on their development plans so businesses like ourselves can make the transition as soon as possible,” added Olly Craughan, head of corporate social responsibility at DPDgroup UK.