The Department for Transport (DfT) is launching a ‘call for evidence’ to the industry on phasing out the sale of new, non-zero emission (i.e. diesel and petrol) coaches and minibuses.
Responses must be made by 11:45pm on 21 May 2022
It is also seeking feedback on proposals to progress ending the sale of new non-zero emission (diesel) buses, after a consultation on ending the sale of new diesel buses which ran from 15 March 2021 to 11 April 2021. The Impact Assessment resulting from this can be downloaded below.
The DfT is inviting views on:
- the challenges of transitioning to zero emission coaches and minibuses
- what would need to be true or in place to withdraw the sale of these vehicles
- what government could do to accelerate the transition to zero emission coaches and minibuses
- setting a realistic date to end the sale of these vehicles
Speaking at the UK Coach Association’s (UKCOA) Conference, hosted at Farnborough International by ITT Hub, on Tuesday (8 March), Transport Minister Baroness Vere said that the ‘call for evidence’ for mandatory zero-emission coaches, would be considered in parallel with a review of PSVAR regulations, so that operators don’t have to invest twice.
Referring to the challenges of phasing out diesel coaches, Baroness Vere said: “We will be consulting on coaches in particular, because they are not the same as bus, bus is different,” before going on to explain current thinking.
She added: “With each different type of vehicle, we’re working with the sector to work out what is achievable. “There is absolutely no point in us setting targets that are not achievable, and that have not been set in full consultation with the sector itself.” [See story here]
Announcing the call for evidence, Buses Minister Baroness Vere said: “The Government remains technology neutral, but we are not outcome neutral – to achieve legally binding carbon and air quality targets, and reduce our contribution to climate change, the bus sector must transition to zero emission vehicles.”
The ‘Call for Evidence’ consultation is here and documents are below https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ending-the-sale-of-new-non-zero-emission-buses-coaches-and-minibuses
