Government announces array of consultations to help map out future for ULEVs, infrastructure, alternative fuels and clean air

Sat 29 October 2016 View all news

The new Government has announced a range of new consultations, seeking input from stakeholders about several aspects of the introduction of ULEVs and refuelling infrastructure relating to climate change and local pollution.

The Department for Transport is consulting on measures to support the uptake of ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) for inclusion in its proposed 'Modern Transport Bill'.

The proposed measures relate to refueling and recharging infrastructure for ULEVs and focus specifically on:

  • the consumer experience of infrastructure
  • smart charging – infrastructure and the electricity system
  • the provision of infrastructure

Meanwhile Defra has announced a consultation on what stakholders think about its draft Clean Air Zone Framework. The framework sets out how Clean Air Zones should be implemented in England and Defra wants views on the draft regulation requiring Clean Air Zones to be created in Birmingham, Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton? It also wants views on the impact assessment that considers the costs and benefits of making Clean Air Zones in the five cities.

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) is also consulting on the transposition of the EU Directive on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure into UK law. The Directive is designed to deliver a build-up of alternative fuels

OLEV is working across government to position the UK at the forefront of Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) development, manufacture and use, including targeted funding for the UK's rapidly expanding infrastructure that supports ever increasing numbers of plug-in and hydrogen fuel cell EVs. OLEV says that across the UK there are now more than 11,000 chargepoints, including the largest network of rapid chargers in Europe and a growing number of publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations.

The DfT is also seeking views on whether extra weight allowances for alternatively fuelled vehicles should be extended to purely domestic journeys, as well as international journeys. Note that this closes on 2 November. 

DfT is also proposing to rescind the requirement of a vehicle special order for type-approved hydrogen and gas powered vehicles.

The new directive allows the weight increases for certain vehicles using certain alternative fuel technologies when used for international journeys. DfT is proposing to allow operators to benefit from these weight increases for domestic journeys as well as international journeys.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of London is inviting Londoners to share their experiences and ideas about improving air quality, and has asked for further views on the measures he is proposing. 

London has now developed detailed proposals for the implementation of the Emissions Surcharge (ES), and ideas for improving the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). 

The first of these proposals is to introduce the ES (more commonly known as the ‘T-Charge’) in 2017, for the older, more polluting vehicles driving into and within central London. This would be in addition to the Congestion Charge.

This consultation contains detailed statutory proposals for the ES. The introduction of the ES will involve changes to the current Congestion Charge Scheme order, subject to this consultation. The Mayor will consider representations received and decide whether or not to approve them (with or without modifications) in early 2017.

The Mayor is also seeking views on the following ideas:

  • Bringing forward the introduction of the ULEZ to 2019, instead of 2020
  • Extending the ULEZ from Central London to Londonwide for heavy vehicles (heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and coaches), as early as 2019, but possibly later; and
  • Extending the ULEZ from Central London up to the North and South Circular roads for all vehicles, as early as 2019, but possibly later.

LowCVP will be responding to the Clean Air Zones and ULEZ consultations and is arranging a meeting for members to provide input on Monday, 21 November from 10am to 1:00pm at One Birdcage Walk, London SW1. 

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