Government to consult on green number plates for cleaner vehicles
Mon 10 September 2018
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The Government plans to consult on a proposal for cleaner cars, vans and taxis to be equipped with green number plates as part of plans to promote awareness of ULEVs and support local measures to encourage their use.
The special plates, which are already used by countries like Norway, Canada, and China, could be available on cleaner vehicles like electric and hydrogen cars. The initiative aims to help encourage their take-up among drivers.
The Government says that as well as promoting zero emission vehicles, green number plates could help support local incentives for electric vehicles such as access to bus or low emission vehicle lanes, electric charging bays or ultra-low-emission-zones.
The plans are part of a forthcoming government consultation which will seek views on whether green plates could work in the UK, and if so, what they should look like.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: "The UK has a proud history of leading the world in technological advances and that is no different for ultra low emission vehicles, where we are at the forefront of innovation and testing.
"This new cleaner, greener transport has the potential to bring with it cleaner air, a better environment and stronger economies for countries around the world.
"Adding a green badge of honour to these new clean vehicles is a brilliant way of helping increase awareness of their growing popularity in the UK, and might just encourage people to think about how one could fit into their own travel routine."
Elisabeth Costa, Director at The Behavioural Insights Team, said: "We support efforts to increase awareness of the numbers of clean vehicles on our roads. Simple changes based on behavioural science can have a big impact.
"Green plates would be more noticeable to road users, and this increased attraction can help normalise the idea of clean vehicles, highlighting the changing social norms around vehicle ownership."
The consultation will consider potential designs for the plates, which could include entirely green on the front, back or both sides of the vehicle, or a green symbol.
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