Hydrogen fuel supporters critical of Liberal Democrat manifesto

10th Sept 2014

Get ahead with CIHT Membership

Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT.  We are  committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career

Find out more

140910cleggbigUltra low emission cars will be the only private vehicles allowed on British roads after 2040 if the Liberal Democrats form a second Coalition Government next May.

The party published its pre election manifesto on Monday which includes a Green Transport Act that would update planning law to ensure that new developments are designed around walking, cycling and public transport.

The act would also incentivise greener travel choices and help to establish a full network of charging points for electric cars.

But hydrogen fuelling supplier Air Products said it is disappointed that measures to support low carbon vehicles only appear to relate to battery electric vehicles.

“A range of technologies will be required in the transition away from conventionally fuelled road transport,” said the company’s European business manager Diana Raine. “With the right support hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise the transport sector. Political parties must commit to supporting a range of technologies.”

A spokesman for the Liberal Democrats later clarified that the party will support an initial roll out of hydrogen refuelling stations “to form a viable network to encourage fuel cell vehicle uptake to 2020”.

The Liberal Democrats’ manifesto also proposes to reopen many smaller railway stations, restore twin track lines to major routes and support a new generation of light rail and ‘ultra-light’ rail schemes in towns and cities. On  the development of airport infrastructure the party remains opposed to any expansion of Heathrow or Gatwick unless other runways are closed elsewhere.

  • CIHT will be hosting a lunchtime fringe event at all three main party conferences this autumn in association with the Royal Town Planning Institute. A panel of speakers will discuss how planning can deliver the transport infrastructure the country needs. To find out more about the events in Glasgow (Lib Dems), Manchester (Labour) and Birmingham (Conservatives) call 0207 336 1555.

 

Photo: Department for Transport 

 

To return to the newsletter, please close this window.

Comments on this site are moderated. Please allow up to 24 hours for your comment to be published on this site. Thank you for adding your comment.
{{comments.length}}CommentComments
{{item.AuthorName}}

{{item.AuthorName}} {{item.AuthorName}} says on {{item.DateFormattedString}}:

Share
Email
Bookmark

Get ahead with CIHT Membership

Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT.  We are  committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career

Find out more