Business Travel Truckers need more time
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is calling on the Government to reassure truck and van buyers that they will be able to use them for a ‘reasonable lifespan’, following the news that the ban on petrol and diesel sales is being brought forward. Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed at a United
Nations Climate Change conference that the ban on the sale of any new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars in the UK is to be brought forward to 2035, five years earlier than previously planned. Government is now expected to conduct a
consultation on moving the ban from 2040 to 2035 – earlier if possible.
‘There is still a very long way to go before an efficient, cost- effective alternative to diesel- powered trucks can be found’
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “Of
course we all want to tackle climate change, but it has to be done in a realistic and manageable way. Changing the UK’s car fleet to electric is one thing. “They are increasingly available, with improving
range and infrastructure that will work for users. For vans this is less clear cut because payloads and duty cycles are much more demanding. “The changeover process for heavy goods vehicles
is different again. Research into alternative fuels is already widespread. However, because of the nature of the road freight industry and the distances covered, there is still a very long way to go before an
efficient, cost-effective alternative to diesel-powered trucks can be found. “The average price of a truck is approximately
£85,000. It will be many years before the industry develops an ‘alternative-fuelled’ truck that ticks haulier’s boxes but we, as the representative body for the sector are keen to work with the truck manufacturer’s development teams to ensure a smooth and cost-effective transition to alternative fuels. “Vehicles are an expensive investment. If
companies are to invest in cleaner vehicles the government also needs to reassure buyers that they will be able to use them for a reasonable lifespan – at least 12 years for lorries.”
Richard Burnett
Sector Focus
Plans for new train depot announced
West Midlands Trains has released plans to build a new train depot at the Bescot freight yard in Wednesbury. The proposed development is an
essential part of the company's £1bn investment programme and West Midlands Trains say it will provide more trains for passengers in the West Midlands and across the network. The depot will create more than 100 new jobs in the Sandwell area. West Midlands Trains says the investment will help deliver a 25 per cent increase in train capacity by 2021. Bescot freight yard and
maintenance depot in Wednesbury will be refurbished to house new electric trains currently under construction in Derby. The freight yard currently handles all rail freight traffic around the West Midlands. West Midlands Trains project
director Jane Fisher said: “Our new trains will bring a step change in local rail services. “We have already met with the
local community and we are committed to working with residents in Wednesbury to address any concerns they may have to have them as part of shaping the future of our local transport services.”
March 2020 CHAMBERLINK 73
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