I read recently that Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has announced proposals for a major uplift in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The hope is, of course, that this will pave the way for widespread adoption of low emission vehicles on our roads.
However, I also read the response from Richard Burnett, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association (RHA). “Of course we want clean air”, he said, “and we welcome this boost to encourage greener motoring. But for the operators of the UK’s 493,600 HGVs, the idea of switching to electric vehicles remains a very long way off.
“The research, development and production of electric trucks is prohibitive”, he added. He also criticised the government’s proposed Clean Air Zone policy, due to come into effect in eighteen months’ time.
"This industry is responsible for the movement of 98% goods consumed in the UK, yet once again it is being penalised for doing a good job.
"Improving air quality is not the sole responsibility of road users. The reality is that the major polluters - shipping, rail networks, power stations and manufacturing plants - are also guilty. But where is the evidence that they are being taken to task?
“It’s all very well to come up with plans for clean air Utopia, but everyone needs to work together to make it happen.”
You can read more of Mr Burnett’s comments here: