Electric vehicles could soon come with green number plates to help boost awareness for ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and make them easier to identify.
The proposals are part of a consultation that was published yesterday (Sunday 9th September) by the Department for Transport (DfT), and would look to follow on from similar schemes already running in the likes of Norway – which starts registrations with ‘EL’ or ‘EK’ – and China, which uses a green background.
Green plate could also assist with Clean Air Zone schemes that will be rolled out in various areas of the UK. Easier identification of qualifying vehicles would make schemes such as free car parking or the allowed use of bus lanes simpler to monitor for officers, and instantly tell other road users of a ULEV driver’s permissions.
The proposal comes ahead of this week’s Zero Emission Vehicle Summit – a world first – where representatives from a number of countries will meet to agree the support and development of green vehicle uptake.
Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said: “The UK has a proud history of leading the world in technological advances and that is no different for ultra low emission vehicles, where we are at the forefront of innovation and testing.
“This new cleaner, greener transport has the potential to bring with it cleaner air, a better environment and stronger economies for countries around the world. Adding a green badge of honour to these new clean vehicles is a brilliant way of helping increase awareness of their growing popularity in the UK, and might just encourage people to think about how one could fit into their own travel routine.”
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Top photo an indication of what an EV with a green licence plate might look like.
