FTA welcomes investment in gas truck infrastructure
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has responded positively to an announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) of £4 million of funding to support the introduction of publicly accessible gas refuelling stations for HGVs across the country.
The DfT said the scheme would increase flexibility for HGV operators, enabling them to refuel en route rather than having to specifically plan journeys between refuelling stations.
“This investment will make it even easier for British businesses to increase their uptake of cleaner gas powered HGVs,” said transport minister Baroness Kramer.
“It will not just improve local air quality, but benefit those who develop and manufacture this technology and reinforces our commitment to the UK automotive industry.”
FTA said the infrastructure improvements would allow operators without their own refuelling facilities to use gas vehicles, and those who did refuel at base to expand journey distances and improve efficiency.
The funding would also reassure operators considering investing in gas-fuelled trucks, the association added, and help make a ‘stronger business case’ for such investments.
Rachael Dillon, climate change policy manager at FTA, said: “Gas offers a viable way for operators to switch to alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, especially on long trunking journeys where electric and hybrid technology is impractical.”
She continued: “We look forward to working with OLEV as the funding project progresses. Naturally, we would also like to see a larger proportion of funding for ultra-low emission vehicles for freight to enable the sector to reduce emissions, given its vital role in delivering the goods for our economy and look forward to further announcements.”
The government simultaneously announced an expansion of the electric van grant scheme, which it said had supported the purchase of more than 1,250 vans since its launch in 2012.
The scheme offers operators a 20 per cent discount on vans’ upfront cost worth up to £8,000. In a statement DfT highlighted a variety of advantages van operators would enjoy as a result of investing in electric vehicles – include the potential for running costs as low as 2p per mile, as well as tax incentives such as zero vehicle excise duty, and exemption from the London congestion charge.
Said Baroness Kramer: “Ultra-low emission vans are cheaper to run and with a variety of models now eligible for the grant, there has never been a better time for business to take advantage and start saving money. The government is supporting UK companies that are leading the way on cleaner and greener transport.”
