The Department for Transport has pledged an additional £500 million to fund the provision of ultra-low emissions vehicles and support infrastructure up to 2020.
It has already invested £400 million to support the uptake of new vehicles until 2016, and hopes the additional money will support industry and consumers in the switch to the latest low-carbon technology.
The FTA has welcomed the pledge, but it’s climate change policy manager, Rachael Dillon, said: “Too often previous funding has been devoted to cars and vans. Freight provides a vital role in delivering the goods for the economy but it is a significant challenge to reduce carbon emissions.
“The sector needs support particularly with the provision of infrastructure for dual fuel HGVs and gas refuelling infrastructure in order to contribute to national carbon reduction targets.”
The funding plan was put forward in the DfT’s new Roads Command Paper- Action for Roads.
