Report highlights "missing policies" for greening transport

Zemo Partnership has launched its "Map of Missing Policies" report which describes the policies needed to accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero transport.
 
The report was launched alongside a Zemo-convened Parliamentary Roundtable event in Westminster where cross-party MPs and Lords (including members of both Transport and Business and Trade Committees) will discuss the report’s recommendations.
 
The report identifies specific policy proposals, breaking down road transport into sub-sectors: buses; coaches; cars; vans and commercial vehicles. Each section includes a summary of the current situation, active government policies and proposals for new policies to accelerate and coordinate the transition. Energy/fuel-specific and cross-cutting recommendations are included within the relevant section.

For passenger cars, the report recommends that the Plug-In Car Grant is reintroduced and targeted on more affordable models, as well as investigating possible government support for social leasing schemes - offering subsidised lease rates for EVs to lower income groups.

It also recommends introducing grants for used electric cars that fall within the typical price range of equivalent new entry- to mid-level models, with the scheme running for five years, as well as incentivising the sharing of private chargepoints.
 
For Commercial Vehicles, the report recommends extending the Plug-In Truck Grant to 2030, removing annual review processes and ensuring longer term financial commitment.

It also calls for the publishing of a strategy for supporting a national charging infrastructure for heavy duty vehicles along the strategic road network and at motorway service areas, and putting in place a five year funding framework for fleet charging and refuelling infrastructure.
 
For vans, the report recommends extending the Plug-In Van Grant beyond April 2026 and introducing grants for second hand electric van purchases on a time limited basis. It also suggests using consumer and business incentives to encourage the use of PLVs for last-mile deliveries.
 
Commenting on the report’s publication, Zemo’s Acting Managing Director Jonathan Murray said: “UK transport’s transition to net zero is well under way, though progress is uneven across the sector. There are still many specific hurdles that these policy prescriptions seek to address as we accelerate into the delivery phase of transport decarbonisation.
 
“What gives these policy prescriptions relevance and legitimacy is the fact that they have been scrutinised by such a wide cross-section of industry and academic experts, many of them Zemo Partnership members.”
 
Neil Stockley, Zemo Head of Public Affairs and the report author said: “The UK’s road transport landscape is changing dramatically in a short time-frame. It’s vitally important that policy development keeps pace with this changing landscape to help ensure that the UK’s net zero transport industry continues to thrive and can contribute as much as possible to the UK’s economy and future prospects.
 
“I’d like to thank the many industry leaders and associated experts who have contributed their time and energy to helping Zemo complete this important work.”