Govt launches low-carbon truck trials

Date: 24/4/2012

The government has announced its support for trials that will test the effects of carbon-cutting trucks.

A total of £9.5 million is being invested in the initiative by the Department for Transport and the Technology Strategy Board and truck operators can bid for cash from today (April 24th).

They have until June 20th to claim up to £750,000 each and must have vehicles that deliver carbon savings of at least 15 per cent to qualify.

After two years, data from the trials will be collected to influence low-carbon road freight policy introduced by the government.

Transport Minister Mike Penning explained the aim of the initiative is to reduce emissions produced by these vehicles and create increased competition within the sector.

"Almost a quarter of carbon from transport in this country comes from heavy goods vehicles, so this is a key area for us to tackle," he added.

Between 1994 and the end of 2011, the number of light goods vehicles on British roads increased by 52 per cent, but there has been a gradual decline in heavy goods vehicles over the years.

Posted by Nick Anderson