Low Emission HGV Task Force report welcomed

Monday, March 17, 2014 - 15:45
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HAPPY: Bodies welcome government report

Key industry bodies have welcomed recommendations made in the Low Emission HGV’s Task Force report on bio-methane.

The Department for Transport’s papers have set out plans to facilitate HGV vehicles’ move to bio-methane as a lower carbon fuel option, following a series of industry recommendations.

In the 2013 Autumn Statement, Chancellor George Osborne acknowledged the need to incentivise a move to gas to help reduce emissions from HGVs.

He guaranteed to ensure a duty differential for gas against the price of diesel until March 2024.

Now, industry associations are calling on the government to further make bio-methane a priority in this week’s Budget.

“Delivering certainty for investment in this alternative fuel is crucial to its development over the coming years.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) claim the move towards such gas-powered HGVs will ensure the freight sector can contribute to national government carbon reduction targets.

An increase in the utilisation of gas HGVs will also help improve air quality in towns and cities, they added.

Rachael Dillon, Climate Change Policy Manager at the FTA, said: “The recent commitment by government on the duty differential for gas provides much needed confidence for the freight industry to invest in dual fuel and dedicated gas vehicles.

“However, there is a lack of public refuelling infrastructure for gas vehicles which limits progress.

“Additionally, bio-methane supplies need to be secured for the transport sector.”

Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, added: “Delivering certainty for investment in this alternative fuel is crucial to its development over the coming years.

“Now, with official government backing, investment in the necessary infrastructure, vehicle and technology developments can be made with greater confidence.”

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