Proposed ban on sales of diesel heavy goods of 2040 here deemed impractical

A proposal from an independent commission to ban the sale of diesel trucks by 2040 has been criticized as unachievable by the industry.

The National Infrastructure Commission said on Wednesday that the government should ban the sale of heavy trucks as part of a plan to eliminate all carbon emissions from freight transport by 2050.

The commission, set up by the government to provide independent advice on the long-term infrastructure needs of the United Kingdom, said alternative technologies such as hydrogen or electricity were "already well advanced" and that some vehicles would be available in the early 2020s.

"It is imperative that the government clearly indicate its intention now to give the freight sector time to plan its investments," says the report, which calls for a ban to be announced by 2021.

At present, more than 99% of trucks run on diesel because of its energy efficiency. While the automotive industry is developing alternative fuel sources, electrifying trucks is harder than smaller pbadenger cars or delivery vans because they have to carry heavy loads and travel long distances.

Groups representing truck builders and operators criticized the suggested ban. "This proposal is simply unfeasible and does not take into account the reality," said Rod McKenzie, policy director of the Road Haulage Association, which represents 6,000 truck drivers in the UK.

He added that diesel trucks generally travel between large depots, while most of the air pollution from diesel comes from congested cities, which can be served by smaller vehicles that are easier to electrify.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which brings together truck manufacturers, said the call for a diesel ban was "high risk" while no viable alternative was available yet.

"Prohibiting a type of fuel before a replacement is competitive, or even identified, carries a high risk and could jeopardize efforts to encourage replacement," said SMMT CEO Mike Hawes. "The industry is committed to a zero-emissions future and is investing heavily in electrification and other technologies to achieve this, but if the industry can deliver the technology, it can not dictate the pace of change or the levels market demand. "

The government is already planning to phase out the sale of cars and vans that do not use hybrid or electric technology by 2040.

In its "Road to Zero" strategy published last year, which included the 2040 ambition, the government stated that "its long-term goal is the development and deployment of Zero Emission HGVs", while acknowledging that "the way forward to achieve this is not so clear. as for cars and vans ".

The government has encouraged truck owners to adopt vehicles equipped with the latest engines, offering a 10% discount on truck drivers' fees.

A spokesman for the government said: "We are taking steps to encourage transport companies to adopt cleaner truck fleets, including investing in research and development of greener vehicles and increasing the dirtiest trucks on our roads.

"Addressing the problem of pollution and investing in green technologies is a priority, which is why we have a £ 3.5 billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions. "