Government says diesel to play crucial role in ‘The Road to Zero’

Just when you thought the Government, currently derailed by Brexit, had totally given up on the fleet industry – it publishes a new document.

Called the The Road to Zero, it signposts the steps towards a zero emission future for both cars and vans.

But what was impressive about this document was not simply the breadth of vision – from infrastructure to ambition – but its nod to practicality.

While the Government wishes as much as 70% of new car sales and up to 40% of new van sales to be ultra low emission by 2030, it now recognises the crucial role diesel can play in the road to cleaner air quality.

No longer the ‘damned diesel’, the Government sees diesel playing an important role in reducing CO2 emissions from road transport during the transition to zero emission vehicles. With the caveat that diesel must meet ever more stringent air quality standards.

This is critical for fleets.

The Government is acknowledging that fleets should still consider diesel if it is the correct form of transport; although it would prefer a zero emission option if possible or practicable.

And it explicitly acknowledges that diesels are the correct choice for high mileage drivers; while petrol, petrol electric alternatives, or electric vehicles are the right choice for drivers with a more urban centric driving pattern.

It is something that Fleet Alliance has been advising its customers for some time – despite the at times unfavourable sentiment towards diesel.

So I’m very pleased to see this acknowledgement by the Government.

It will help fleets make more informed decisions and assist us all down the road to a greener future.