All new diesel lorries are to be stopped by 2040.
Today’s target coincides with Cop26 transport day.
This means that new HGVs with 26-ton gross vehicle weights or less will not be sold after 2035. Sale of heavier vehicles is prohibited starting in 2040.
Only special lorries like military and emergency vehicles will be exempt.
Rod McKenzie from the Road Haulage Association commented that they support the objective, however the pace might be too fast. We want the deadline to be extended by five more years.
In a fresh eco push, the sale of HGVs with diesel engines will be prohibited starting in 2040.
But Olly Craughan, head of corporate social responsibility at parcel delivery firm DPDgroup UK, said the firm ‘totally supports’ the government announcement.
He added: ‘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.’
In November last year, the government stated that sales of petrol- and diesel vehicles will cease by 2030.
For plug-in hybrids it’s 2035. It was not yet known when HGVs would be available.
Officially unveiled today is a new universal design that will be used for charging street-electric vehicles.
They could be as famous as the Great British Post Box, London Bus or Black Cab as many more street chargers are added to the fleet ahead of 2030.
Only special lorries like military and emergency vehicles will be exempt
In the UK, there are approximately 25,000-26,000 street chargers.
The motor industry claims that more than 1.7 million are required if 2030 targets are to be achieved. According to the industry, 2.8 million will be required by 2035.
The Royal College of Art and PA Consulting have designed and built the electric vehicle charger points. They will be on display at COP26.
It is easy to use, and the concept was created with input from local government and industry.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘From our roads to the skies, the transition to zero emission transport has reached a tipping point.
‘We know that transport plays a key role saving the planet from warming above 1.5C, which is why this is the COP that will kick start our ambition for zero emission aviation and why I’m proud to be uniting world leaders to tackle climate change – creating new opportunities for clean growth, green jobs, and improved air quality right across the globe.
‘To support the transition to EVs, it’s integral that we have the infrastructure to support it. 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.’