Logistics UK responds to government HGV consultation

The government published on 6 January its long-awaited consultation on a New Heavy Goods Vehicle CO₂ Emissions Regulatory Framework for the UK, which looks at the possible introduction of regulations to increase the uptake of zero-emission HGVs.

The deadline for responses is 17 March. Within the consultation, the government reaffirms its commitment to the phase-out dates for new non-zero emission HGVs (2035 for vehicles up to 26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles over 26 tonnes).

To achieve these phase-out dates, the consultation explores three regulatory approaches: strengthened CO₂ standards, a manufacturer ZEV mandate, and fleet-level adoption requirements.

While the consideration of a range of options is positive, Logistics UK has serious concerns over its approach to charging infrastructure and low carbon fuels. For example, it acknowledges that zero emission HGVs “will need significant charging infrastructure support,” but there is no explanation of how any of the regulatory options would materially accelerate the delivery of this.

In addition, the consultation states that low carbon fuels are not considered appropriate for eligibility in any of the regulatory options because the long-term priority is zero-emission HGVs, and those fuels will be needed in other areas.

However, the proposed regulations are for the period to 2040, which represents the transitional or medium-term period, not the long-term end state.

Logistics UK’s Head of Decarbonisation Lamech Solomon said: “Logistics UK welcomes the fact that the government has finally launched its consultation on HGV phase-out date regulatory options. However, the proposals raise concerns for our sector.

“The ambition to increase the uptake of zero-emission HGVs must be matched by a clear, credible plan to deliver the charging infrastructure these vehicles will depend on. Acknowledging the need for ‘significant charging infrastructure support’ without setting out how this will be accelerated risks placing unrealistic obligations on operators and manufacturers alike.

“Equally concerning is the decision to rule out low-carbon fuels from eligibility within the regulatory options. The period to 2040 is a transitional phase, not the end state, and low-carbon fuels have an important role to play in decarbonising road freight while zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure scale up. A pragmatic, technology-neutral approach is essential if we are to cut emissions while keeping goods moving and supply chains resilient.

“Logistics UK will be responding to the consultation and urging government to address these gaps so the transition to net zero is both achievable and affordable for the logistics industry.”

If you would like to feed into our response, please contact Logistics UK Head of Decarbonisation Lamech Solomon by 20 February.