Logistics UK responds to carbon budget recommendations report

“The logistics sector is already embracing the decarbonisation agenda and is committed to playing its part to help the UK achieve net zero," says Green. "Today’s report from the Climate Change Committee highlights a strategy is needed to deliver commercial vehicle charging infrastructure and speed up new grid connections, alongside incentives to tackle higher vehicle costs. Without this, our industry feels it is being set up to fail.  

“It is critical that alternative fuels such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) that can be used in diesel engines without any modifications are incentivised by government. Its use effectively means the industry could reduce carbon emissions by 80% overnight. And while there are some challenges to address regarding HVO production, these are not insurmountable and significantly easier to achieve than installing electrification infrastructure and replacing every commercial vehicle on the road in the short to medium term.

"Our members have long been calling for a coherent strategy for the role low carbon fuels can play in the transition to net zero, but the government continues to overlook the opportunity that these present.

“The decarbonisation of the logistics sector must be underpinned by an agreed roadmap to net zero and the phase-out of fossil fuels, based on the availability of technology, infrastructure investment, regulatory reform and tax incentives.

"We believe this is the only way to ensure a fair transition to net zero which protects the UK’s supply chains, while helping drive the government’s growth agenda.”