The Department for Transport has launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
The 25-page Heavy goods vehicles: ending the sale of new non-zero emission models consultation document was published on 14 July 2021.
This consultation announces the Government’s intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). It proposes a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing 3.5-26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes.
It also asks questions on whether the phase out dates should be extended to HGVs using low carbon fuels and if the maximum permissible weights of zero emission or alternatively fuelled HGVs should increase to allow for their generally heavier powertrains.
BVRLA view
While the phase out targets provide useful clarity and certainty, we are concerned that there is still an absence of a clear technology roadmap for zero emission HGVs. 2035 is just a couple of fleet cycles away and the technological challenges for HGVs versus cars and vans are significant. The Government must develop an HGV phase out delivery plan, taking lessons from the phase out plan for cars and vans. It must also take swift and decisive action to help the sector make this transition within this ambitious timeframe.
The BVRLA will be submitting a formal consultation response before the 3 September deadline and members are invited to share views and provide input by emailing [email protected].
Details of all open consultations and previous consultation responses can be found on the Consultations page of the BVRLA website.
