🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Transport decarbonisation plan heralds a revolution in logistics
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP heralded the government’s publication of its long-awaited Transport decarbonisation plan yesterday (14 July 2021) as “just the start” of a revolution that will see all modes of domestic transport decarbonised by 2050.
“We will need continued efforts and collaboration to deliver its ambitious commitments,” Shapps said, “which will ultimately create sustainable economic growth through healthier communities as we build back greener.”
The government also announced its intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol HGVs by 2040. This will be subject to a consultation, which proposes a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 26 tonnes and a 2040 phase out date for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes.
Logistics UK welcomed the plan, saying it would give logistics companies the confidence and clarity on the steps they will need to take to decarbonise their operations on their journey to net zero.
“Consultation on proposed phase out dates for new diesel HGVs should enable business to move forwards with confidence,” said Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy, Logistics UK, “Rail, shipping and aviation are all essential parts of logistics, so plans to support freight modal shift and develop technologies to reduce emissions across these modes are welcome.
“With logistics already embracing the need to decarbonise its operations, Logistics UK looks forward to working in partnership with the government on future action and strategies to realise the net zero ambition together.”
Following the publication of the government’s plan, Logistics UK has today (15 July 2021) announced the launch of its Route to Net Zero campaign. This is designed to encourage Logistics UK’s 18,000 member businesses to commit to decarbonising their operations as quickly, effectively and as urgently as possible to help the UK achieve carbon neutrality ahead of the legal deadline of 2050.
“Logistics UK and its members understand the urgency of the climate crisis and are working hard to decarbonise logistics operations,” said Michelle Gardner, Head of Public Policy at Logistics UK, “We are pleased to launch this campaign today to support and encourage the industry’s journey to Net Zero. A key component of this campaign’s success will be getting the right support from government. Logistics UK will be working in partnership with its members and government to help ensure the right policies, infrastructure, power supply, funding and vehicle markets are in place to realise the logistics industry’s Net Zero ambition.”
Logistics UK is now calling on its members to work with it to achieve the Route to Net Zero ambition and will also be launching a comprehensive policy manifesto ahead of COP26 in November 2021.
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/environment
Published On: 15/07/2021 16:01:59
Comments Section
If you are a Logistics UK member login to add comments.
