The Net Zero Report, published on 2 May, responds to a request from the Governments of the UK, Wales and Scotland, asking the Committee on Climate Change to reassess the UK’s long-term emissions targets.
The report’s key findings are that:
- The Committee on Climate Change recommends a new emissions target for the UK: net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050.
- In Scotland, we recommend a net-zero date of 2045, reflecting Scotland’s greater relative capacity to remove emissions than the UK as a whole.
- In Wales, we recommend a 95% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.
BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney responded to the report saying: “The BVRLA agrees that ambitious targets are necessary, and we have been proactive at demonstrating to government how the vehicle rental and leasing sector is well placed to help deliver zero-emission road transport.
“Our Plug-in Pledge launched in 2018 saw the industry pledging to increase the number of plug-in vehicles from 50,000 to 720,000 by 2025, which can only be achieved with the right fiscal incentives, infrastructure and product supply.
“As the Committee on Climate Change notes, until the point when electric vehicles become affordable for most consumers, effective incentives are still needed to stimulate demand. Targets can only be met if government, local authorities and industry work together to create the right environment.
“HGV operators for example, have very little option right now. They have a fleet cycle of 5-10 years and are much more expensive. Failure to consider the needs of commercial operators when implementing air quality measures will risk causing harm to local economies as operators will look to avoid entering areas that impose penalties.”
Read the Net Zero report in full on the Committee of Climate Change website.
