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UK welcomes green number plates

23 December 2020

Green number plates can now be legally used for purely electric vehicles in the UK, a rule which came into effect on December 8 2020.

The design for these new number plates was approved by ministers in June 2020 as part of the UK government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. 

Following the conclusion of a consultation by the UK government which invited comments from the public, local authorities and industry stakeholders from relevant sectors, the new plates have been introduced in the hope of making it easier for people to identify zero emission vehicles and help local authorities to create and implement new incentives for people to make the switch to electric. 

These incentives could include cheaper parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs). 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, “A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth.

“Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.

“We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport tech of the future through a multi-million pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low carbon innovation and research”.

The move came alongside £12 million in funding for research into the zero-emission market, made available through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and delivered through Innovate UK, which was also announced earlier this year in June 2020.

£10 million of these funds were allocated for a Zero Emission Vehicle Innovation Competition which invited applicants to bid for project funding to support advancements in battery electric and hydrogen vehicles and EV charging infrastructure. 

The remaining £2 million was budgeted to small and medium enterprises to support other research into zero-emission vehicles. 

We at Marshall Leasing are delighted to see the introduction of new green licence plates in the UK and believe it will positively impact the journey towards net zero emissions. If you would like more information about our fleet management services, please get in touch on email info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or call us on 01480 414541. 

Image courtsey of the Department for Transport.

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