Government announced yesterday that, from this autumn, number plates featuring a green flash will be rolled out that could give electric vehicle users access to cheaper parking and free entry to zero emission zones.

But motoring group the RAC spokesman Rod Dennis commented: “While this is well intentioned we don’t believe green number plates on their own will do much to make people switch to an electric car.

“We’d much prefer the Government looked at things like bringing in the right financial incentives.”

However the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s managing director Andy Eastlake said the initiative would provide a helpful visual ‘identifier’ to allow the easier application of regulations and incentive schemes for zero emission vehicles at a local level.

“It will provide more opportunities for local authorities to introduce new initiatives and strengthen those existing which can help to accelerate ‘greener’ vehicle uptake,” he added.

“But, he continued, “while the identification of zero tailpipe emissions is important – particularly in terms of dealing with local air pollution and its consequent health effects – going forward we’ll need to give greater consideration to the production (and disposal) greenhouse gas emissions associated with vehicles in order to deliver on net zero road transport.”

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders’ chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Manufacturers are investing vast sums to introduce zero emission vehicles in ever greater numbers and give consumers choice, so all initiatives that help boost their popularity are welcome. However, market transformation will take more than a single measure for one technology.

“Industry has consistently said that making zero emission driving a reality for everyone requires a world class package of long term incentives to drive affordability, including support for stepping stone technologies such as plug in hybrids, which can deliver environmental benefits now, as well as massive investment in charging infrastructure to address range concerns.”

Government’s announcement comes after a consultation exercise which saw three quarters of respondents agree that only vehicles with zero tailpipe emissions should be eligible for the new green number plates. Funding worth £12M for research into vehicle and charging technology has also been announced.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented: “Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.”

The Department for Transport says the move will help local authorities design and implement new policies to incentivise people to own and drive zero emission vehicles.
Grant Shapps added: “We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport technology of the future through a multi million pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low carbon innovation and research.”

Funding worth £10M has been pledged for a new Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation competition, which will invite applicants to bid for project investment to support advancements in both battery electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as associated charging infrastructure.

A further £2M is also being provided directly to small and medium sized enterprises to support their research into zero emission vehicles, including battery technology.

(Photograph: Gutekesk7 – Shutterstock)