New Release

Transport decarbonisation

The government’s transport decarbonisation plan is out, setting out a pathway for the transport sector to reach net zero by 2050.

Launching the plan, transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the plan was “genuinely high ambition – technically and feasibly – for all areas of transport” and notes that “decarbonisation will rely, in part, on future transport technology, coupled with the necessary behavioural and societal change.”

Some fleet and transport operators have argued that the plan is too reliant on advancements in technology, and that it still lacks detail in real terms, but the general view is that the commitments made in the plan are what is needed to address climate change.

The plan says it will consult on a phase out date for heavy duty vehicles, as well as how it will improve public transport, increase support for active travel, create a net zero rail and aviation network, and transition to green shipping. We examine the content of the transport decarbonisation plan, as well as the industry’s reaction, on page nine.

This issue also focuses on the challenges smaller businesses face when moving to zero emission transport operations. We look at the government’s ‘Business Climate Leaders’ campaign, a new drive to encourage small and micro businesses to commit to cutting their emissions to net zero by 2050, and our panel of experts share advice on how small businesses can overcome any hurdles in the switch to electric vehicles.

Page 12 meanwhile looks at the roll out of E10 petrol, which will be happening from September, and answers any questions fleets may have on the new greener fuel.

Angela Pisanu, editor