BVRLA publishes roadmap for fleet transition from diesel

Commissioned by the BVRLA and produced by Ecuity Consulting, the report has four main conclusions.

Firstly, the government should focus its efforts on reducing diesel car use in urban areas. Around one-third of car use is on urban roads and electric and hybrid cars represent an increasingly affordable alternative.

Secondly, a steady transition away from using diesel vehicles will enable the supply chain and consumers to move to alternative technologies without incurring too many costs.

Thirdly, it says that Government policy should focus on trying to reduce car ownership instead of just choosing alternative vehicles. A scrappage scheme that provides mobility credits for public transport, car club and car rental journeys could stimulate this change.

Finally, the report says the government needs to provide a consistent clean air zone policy framework across the UK to avoid placing extra burdens or costs on people and businesses driving between urban areas.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “Diesel vehicles play an essential role in transporting goods and people around the country, but the emissions they produce on low-speed urban roads means they have no long-term future in our cities.

“We need a carefully blended set of incentives and restrictions that removes the oldest, most polluting diesel vehicles without crippling our economy or punishing people for decisions they have already made.

“The vehicle rental and leasing industry has a huge stake in this transition and we look forward to working with local and national government to deliver a workable solution.”