Changes to licensing rules for greener-fuelled vans to go through EU approval

The government has announced that it will be seeking agreement from the EU for drivers with category B licences to be permitted to drive alternatively-fuelled vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes.

This announcement comes following a two-month consultation process.

The proposals set out in this consultation would allow category B (car) licence holders to drive a slightly heavier vehicle, if it is powered by a low emission technology, by offsetting the additional weight of the powertrain.

This will help compensate for lost payload capacity due to the added weight and size of alternative fuel technologies.

FTA’s Environment Policy Manager, Becki Kite, said: “FTA is delighted the government has listened to the logistics industry and taken this positive step to make it easier for transport and freight companies to operate electric vehicles. This will make it cheaper and easier for firms to include alternatively-powered vehicles in their fleets. It is an excellent example of how the government can use regulatory adjustments to help our industry implement more energy-efficient working practices.”