Call to ban new diesel HGVs in UK by 2040

The National Infrastructure Commission, which advises the UK government, has called for diesel-powered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to be banned by 2040. A ban on the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars has already been announced by the UK government, but HGVs have not yet been included as they are seen to be more difficult to phase out due to the size of the batteries needed to power such vehicles.

The Commission’s Annual Monitoring Report proposes a 10-point plan for accelerating action to turn government’s net zero ambitions into reality. Detailed plans for decarbonising energy supply, accelerating the roll-out of electric vehicle (EV) charge points and connecting hard-to-reach areas with high capacity broadband are among the next steps needed to ensure government can deliver its aims for levelling up and meeting the net zero target, it says.

The Commission is also calling for the launch of the new Infrastructure Bank to be as soon as possible and greater long-term funding and control to be given to large cities outside London for public transport upgrades.