UK Government launches Road to Zero Strategy

In 2018 the UK Government outlined the UK’s ambition for low emission road transport towards 2030. The proposals, outlined in the Road to Zero Strategy sets out plans for the expansion of green infrastructure for mobility. The article outlines how the strategy, focused on zero emission vehicle technology through electrification, could be achieved and its benefits for the environment and economy. The measures outlined include infrastructure development such as the installation of charging points, wireless and on-street charging technology and home charging options. It is expected that the initiatives will set the stage for the mass uptake of ultra low emission vehicles.

The report clearly stated the mission:

"Our mission is to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040. As set out in the NO2 plan, we will end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040. By then, we expect the majority of new cars and vans sold to be 100% zero emission and all new cars and vans to have significant zero emission capability. By 2050 we want almost every car and van to be zero emission.

We want to see at least 50%, and as many as 70%, of new car sales and up to 40% of new van sales being ultra low emission by 2030.

We expect this transition to be industry and consumer led, supported in the coming years by the measures set out in this strategy. We will review progress towards our ambitions by 2025. Against a rapidly evolving international context, we will seek to maintain the UK’s leadership position and meet our ambitions, and will consider what interventions are required if not enough progress is being made."

The programme also includes an approach for emission reduction of  the vehicles already on the market:

Increasing the supply and sustainability of low carbon fuels in the UK through a legally-binding 15-year strategy to more than double their use, reaching 7% of road transport fuel by 2032.

Taking action against garages offering the removal of emissions reduction technology, working with the DVSA, VCA and industry to ensure our regulatory and enforcement regimes give us the levers we need to tackle this problem.

Extending the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) beyond buses, coaches and HGVs to include vans and black cabs.

Taking steps to accelerate the adoption of fuel-efficient motoring by company car drivers, businesses operating fleets, and private motorists.

Besides this a very long list of policy plans and proposals have been described. More information can be found on the specific webpage here.

‍