UK: Accelerating the Shift to Low Carbon Transport

Not long after I commented on plans in England (here) and Scotland (here) to advance the electrification of the transportation system, the central (UK) government has put out a report covering much of the same ground.  The report (news story here, link to text here) is actually much broader in scope, detailing a laundry list of initiatives to advance “clean growth” and meet statutory targets for controlling greenhouse gas emissions.

The transportation section – “Accelerating the Shift to Low Carbon Transport” – doesn’t offer much that is new.  But it is useful in reminding us of the commitment of the UK government – a Conservative government – to major GHG reductions.

Some highlights of the transportation policies and proposals list:

·      Reiterates the commitment to ending the sale of conventional gasoline and diesel cars by 2040,

·      Allocates funding to support the Highways England goal of installing EV rapid chargers at 20-mile intervals on 95% of the strategic highway network,

·      Advocates legislation to require new charging stations to be “smart enabled” to encourage off-peak charging,

·      Funds development and implementation of Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans,

·      Establishes subsidies for alternative fuel taxis, and

·      Supports research and development of alternative fuel propulsion for heavy trucks, trains, and airplanes.

Oh, and did I mention this is the policy of a Conservative government?