Green number plates for EVs given go ahead

Green number plates for electric vehicles will be introduced across the UK from autumn 2020. 

Transport secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed today (June 16) that as part of a green economic recovery from COVID-19, drivers will be encouraged to make the switch to electric vehicles through the introduction of green number plates. 

The idea was proposed in September last year,  with the aim to normalise the idea of clean vehicles on the roads.

The plates will be identifiable by a green flash on the left-hand side, making it easier for cars to be identified as zero-emission vehicles, helping local authorities put in place new policies to incentivise people to own them. 

For example, drivers could benefit from cheaper parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones. 

However, the green plates will not be directly linked to local policy and incentives, meaning the government is not mandating local authorities to offer incentives. 

Grant Shapps said: ‘A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net-zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth.

‘Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers, and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp. 

‘We’re supporting small businesses to develop the transport tech of the future through a multi-million-pound investment, ensuring that UK businesses remain at the forefront of low carbon innovation and research.’

Mark Richards, partner and co-leader in the Energy, Environment and Infrastructure team at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, commented: ‘Whilst the green flash number plates are not intended to be the only measure to encourage drivers to switch to zero-emission vehicles, when viewed across a range of financial incentivise and benefits — the measure could be a very valuable and visible way to showcase the benefits of zero-emission vehicles.

‘However, as we have witnessed in countries such as Norway and the Netherlands to massively accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles the full eco-system needs to be developed providing plentiful charging options for drivers, real financial incentives to switch and education on the benefits of zero-emission motoring such as air quality improvements, lower total cost of ownership and potential safety benefits.’

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