Green number plates introduced on UK roads

Following reports last week of imminent arrival, green number plates have been introduced onto UK roads.

Transport minister Rachel Maclean made the announcement, as the country prepares to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles as part of our commitment to reach net-zero by 2050.

The minister said the move would also help with tackling air quality in urban areas and raise awareness of the growing number of zero emission vehicles on the roads.

The plates will enable motorists to take advantage of local initiatives such as cheaper parking and free entry to zero emission zones.

The new number plates can be retro-fitted to any existing vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, HGVs, taxis and motorcycles as long as they emit no CO2 emissions at the tailpipe. They will consist of a green flash on the left-hand side of the plate and can be combined with the Union flag and national identifiers already permitted by the regulations.

The move follows the conclusion of a consultation, inviting comments from the public, local authorities and industry stakeholders from a range of sectors including motoring and consumer groups and vehicle manufacturers, on how best to introduce green number plates.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “We are going further and faster than any other major economy to decarbonise transport, improving air quality in our towns and cities in the process and harnessing the power of clean, green technology to end the UK’s contribution to climate change by 2050.

“Not only will green number plates raise awareness of the increasing number of cleaner vehicles on our roads, they could also unlock a number of incentives for drivers. It’s clear there has never been a better time to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle.”

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