The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned that the UK’s decarbonisation targets for the commercial transport sector are at risk unless the Government urgently delivers targeted support to businesses. The warning follows the results of its latest industry-wide Net Zero Survey, which gathered responses from HGV, coach and van operators.
The findings reveal persistent concern over the affordability, availability and performance of zero emission vehicles, alongside broader issues such as infrastructure readiness and uncertainty around timelines.
“Our sector is the lifeblood of the UK economy, yet zero emission vehicle affordability, availability and performance remain major barriers to decarbonisation,” said Richard Smith, managing director at the RHA. “With responses from businesses of all sizes, we’re calling for urgent support to address these challenges.”
Coach operators specifically called for greater clarity on deadlines to ensure they can make strategic investment decisions, while two-fifths of van operators said they either use or plan to adopt electric vehicles within the next 5 years. However, the report underscores that high costs, limited vehicle options, and an underdeveloped charging and refuelling network continue to impede progress.
In response, the RHA is calling for an immediate Government action plan that includes financing options for fleet upgrades, formal support for alternative fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), and faster roll-out of green infrastructure across the UK.
“Our message is clear: Without decisive action now from decision-makers to support businesses, questions will be asked from across industry about whether the 2035 and 2040 diesel phase-out deadlines are achievable,” Smith added.
He said the RHA remains committed to working constructively with ministers, using the survey results to help shape practical policies to make the transition both affordable and realistic.
This story was first published on The Haulier.
