Promoting environmental sustainability while boosting the attractiveness of road transportation

John explains what the government is doing to encourage the use of Zero emission and Alternative fuelled Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), while aimed squarely at helping the environment;

The draft statutory instrument, The Road Vehicles (Authorised Weight) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, was published on January 23, 2023, along with an accompanying explanatory memorandum.

Alternative fuelled vehicles (AFVs) and Zero emissions vehicles (ZEVs) may have certain components that are heavier than those in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, particularly batteries, which are much heavier than full Diesel tanks used for the same range. Additionally, fuel tanks for pressurised gaseous fuels such as biomethane or hydrogen may also be heavier due to the need for added reinforcement to handle the pressure.

The draft legislation includes a weight limit increase of 2 tonnes for certain ZEVs and up to 1 tonne for certain AFVs, in order to reduce emissions and encourage the use of these types of vehicles.

The weight increase changes will not increase individual axle weights. No additional weight allowance for ZEVs or AFVs will apply over the existing maximum of 44 tonnes.

The government consulted on these proposals between July and September 2021 and published a response confirming the changes on May 12, 2022.

For more information, please visit the government news article; https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-road-vehicles-authorised-weight-amendment-regulations-2023

Written by: John Carver