🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Policy campaign highlight – October 2022
Following ongoing engagement with members through Logistics UK’s Regional Freight Councils and Environment Working Group, it was clear one of the biggest questions about reaching net zero was continued uncertainty around the right technology solution to decarbonise HGVs, particularly vehicles above 26 tonnes and those designed to carry the heaviest loads.
Logistics UK highlighted this to the government and in its Route to Net Zero manifesto, published during COP26 in November 2021, called for large-scale technology trials to be delivered that could result in clarity for HGV operators, alongside infrastructure plans that fully recognise the needs of commercial vehicles.
Nearly one year on, Logistics UK is pleased that as part of the government trials – named the Zero Emission Road Freight Trials (ZERFT) – funding has been provided to move from feasibility studies to on-road trials. The competition to allocate funding to successful bids is being run by Innovate UK and Logistics UK was pleased to welcome representatives to discuss the competition and next steps at the Environment Working Group on 29 September 2022.
During the presentation to members, it was noted that trucks from outside the UK can be included in the ZERFT battery and hydrogen demonstration trials, and that trial information will be made public as frequently as possible, while still managing commercial sensitivities. This is welcomed by Logistics UK as the business group has been highlighting the urgency of providing more clarity, given fast approaching phase-out dates and the need for operators to plan future fleet renewal and investment.
Logistics UK is also pleased that more focus is now being given to the importance of infrastructure for commercial vehicles. The Future of Freight plan committed to a Freight Energy Forum being set up and a review of regulatory barriers to deliver zero carbon energy infrastructure.
At the recent Environment Working Group, Logistics UK was also joined by representatives from the Department for Transport and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to update members on plans for energy network development to support supply chain decarbonisation. This provided a helpful discussion on the challenges for commercial vehicles and led to a commitment to discuss the use of public chargepoint space guidance for vans further.
Logistics UK will be continuing its engagement on this important topic and will push for more certainty and clarity for commercial vehicle operators.
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns
Published On: 13/10/2022 15:50:00
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
