The Road Haulage Association has set out its general approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector, calling on the Government to develop a ‘freight roadmap’ towards net zero and develop consistent, supportive policies to “give our members confidence to plan for a green future”.
Meanwhile, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a separate report which focuses on the importance of using cleaner fuels with internal combustion engines to support the electric transition.
The RHA’s policy paper calls on the new Government to develop a freight roadmap “which delivers the stepping stones needed to achieve a net zero carbon future”.
It says that “the issue of decarbonising freight needs a coherent international and national response and it is vital that the freight and logistics sector is on the front foot to shape the reforms necessary”.
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said, “How the change is managed politically and economically over the next 25 years will be challenging. Our strategy sets out an approach that will ensure that sensible, evidence-based and pragmatic policies are in place to support investment in the green technology needed.
“The time for talking about the environment is over. We need clear global action to tackle climate change, and I am determined that the UK logistics sector will do its bit.”
The RHA paper describes the introduction of clean air zones as “policy mis-steps which have undermined trust and must be avoided”.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers new report ‘Accelerating Road Transport Decarbonisation’ urges the Government not to forget the contribution that it says low carbon fuels will need to make in the transition to net zero.
