New diesel and petrol lorries will be banned in the UK by 2040 as part of a new decarbonisation “greenprint” published by the government on Wednesday.
The plan aims to decarbonise all types of transport by 2050 and includes the so-called “world-leading pledge” to end the sale of all polluting vehicles and move towards transport that generates zero emissions by 2040.
According to the Guardian, it will also include commitments to electrify the entire fleet of government cars and vans by 2027, and plans to create a net zero-emissions rail network by 2050.
The plans are still subject to consultation.
Hauliers said the plans were unrealistic and could add huge costs to the struggling industry as feasible alternatives to polluting lorries still don’t exist. It is unclear what the transition will look like.
The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said it was a “credible pathway” for the transport sector to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and to support highly skilled jobs and cleaner air.
“The transport decarbonisation plan is just the start. We will need continued efforts and collaboration to deliver its ambitious commitments, which will ultimately create sustainable economic growth through healthier communities as we build back greener,” he said.
