Logistics UK calls for van derogation amendments to be brought forward

In 2018, the UK secured a derogation from the European Commission in 2018 allowing category B licence holders to drive alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles with a gross weight of 4.25 tonnes, as opposed to the standard 3.5 tonnes entitlement. This was to mitigate constrained payloads for operators using alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) – which often have an increased mass compared to petrol and diesel due to factors such as battery weight.

In August 2022 government announced a consultation on potential measures to optimise the policy and stated that they do not plan to remove the derogation as they wish to continue for operators who transition to AFVs to not face additional regulatory steps when doing so; typically a driver must have a category C or C1 licence to operate a vehicle above 3.5 tonnes, the acquisition of which results in increased costs and admin.  

Under the current rules of the derogation, mandatory training has to be undertaken before the derogation could be utilised, something which many Logistics UK members reported as a barrier to uptake, and in turn a reluctance by manufacturers for investing in vehicle development of heavier alternatively fuelled vans. Towing of trailers is also currently not permitted and following conversations with members, Logistics UK has responded to the consultation calling for the derogation to be reformed to allow all AFVs up to 4.25 tonnes to tow a trailer up to 7 tonnes MAM, as well as the removal of the additional mandatory training requirement currently in place.  

While the safety of all road users is a top priority for Logistics UK and its members, recent driving licence entitlement changes mean that category B drivers can already operate conventionally fuelled vehicle and trailer combinations over the AFV derogation’s 4.5 tonne limit without additional training, and that there are no known stability or safety issues. The business group does not support the introduction of a voluntary accreditation scheme similar to the current training – as suggested in the consultation – as it is, in the view of Logistics UK, already covered by current legislation. 

Denise Beedell, Senior Policy Manager, Logistics UK, said: “With the 2030 deadline for the ending of the sale of new petrol and diesel vans edging ever closer, it is vital that these amendments are brought forward as soon as possible to stimulate vehicle investment and support van operators reaching net zero goals. We are also urging government to incorporate the derogation into law permanently, to give operators confidence and certainty when planning to transition their van fleets to alternative fuels.” 

*www.logistics.org.uk/vans

Published On: 03/11/2022 15:45:00

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