Policy Campaign Highlights

Logistics UK and the Zero Emission Van Plan

Logistics UK is delighted to be part of the Zero Emission Van Plan, a campaign with BVRLA, REcharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and The EV Café which puts van operators at its core.

By 2030, zero-emission vans will need to account for 70% of new registrations: in 2023, that figure was under 6% and therefore the campaign aims to raise awareness of the barriers to decarbonising van fleets, looking at fiscal support, vehicle charging, energy supply at depots and regulatory barriers, and outlines where support is needed and action required.

On Tuesday 2 April, Transport Minister Anthony Browne MP met with the coalition partners of the Zero Emission Van Plan for a roundtable, where barriers for operators looking to adopt cleaner vehicles were discussed, alongside policy solutions.

Topics covered in the discussion included a market update, support for SMEs, the importance of the Plug-in Van Grant, charging solutions for e-vans, and regulatory barriers. This is the latest engagement as part of an ongoing programme to discuss the contents of the Plan with decision makers across government.

Positive meetings have already taken place with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), where the team is actively exploring solutions to some of the problems highlighted by the coalition. Department for Transport representatives were receptive to the comments made by the Zero Emission Van Plan participants and appreciated the sector coming together on the issue.

The Zero Emission Van Plan can be viewed here.

Changes to Welsh 20mph limit

On 23 April 2024, the new Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates, announced that following public response to the Welsh government's default 20mph scheme, the government will be reviewing the project to deliver targeted change to the implementation of the scheme.

The priority for the 20mph zones will now be targeted to places where children and elderly people are, such as schools, hospitals and nurseries. The change will involve working jointly with local authorities to prepare the ground for changes and revised guidance will be published in July, outlining which roads can be exempted from 20mph.

Logistics UK welcomes Ken Skates’ statement on 20mph zones and is meeting with Natasha Asghar, Shadow Minister for Transport and Technology, this month to discuss the proposed changes in more detail.

Logistics UK has also written to Ken Skates and secured a roundtable with members in June to discuss the development of the Welsh Freight and Logistics Plan. Moreover, at this meeting we will be discussing what the Welsh government can do to better support the logistics sector.

Published On: 09/05/2024 14:30:00

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