Government gets motorist on low carbon road

Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon launched the government’s vision to promote ultra low carbon transport over the next five years. Geoff Hoon outlines the plans.Central to the government’s strategy for ultra low carbon transport over the next five years is this initiative: to help put electric cars into the reach of ordinary motorists.

We will provide help worth L2000-L5000 towards buying the first electric and plug in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms – which we expect from 2011 onwards.

The government has recently committed to placing low carbon transport at the centre of its vision for the UK economy. Our announcement will promote infrastructure and support technology development. And encourage manufacture in the UK, whilst incentivising consumers.

This funding is included in a L250 million scheme to deliver a green motoring transformation, part of the wider government support to help consumers and businesses make the transition to low carbon.

Cutting road transport CO2 emissions is a key element to tackling climate change. Less than 0.1% of the UK’s 26 million cars are electric. So there is a huge untapped potential to reduce emissions.

The scale of incentives we’ve announced will mean that an electric car is a real option for motorists. As well as helping to make the UK a world leader in low carbon transport.

The strategy also includes plans to provide L20 million for charging points and related infrastructure. This will help develop a network of ‘electric car cities’ throughout the UK; and an expansion of an electric and ultra-low carbon car demonstration project on the UK’s roads.

This project will mean over 200 motorists throughout the country will have the opportunity to drive a cutting-edge car and feedback the information needed to make greener motoring an everyday reality.