Drivers of “clean” cars, aka low-emissions vehicles, will receive green plates and earn certain road privileges, under a new proposition being considered by the Department of Transport.
As Britain continues to make efforts for a larger adoption rate for electric and hybrid vehicles, and with a planned ban for all gasoline and diesel cars, it’s no wonder the government is considering an extra incentive for early adopters.
These include priority routes or access to the bus lane, which would mean drivers of clean cars would be able to avoid traffic jams and shorten their daily commute. Special lanes for these vehicles might also be built at an unspecified date, according to the statement put out by the DfT. Where new ones will not be build, drivers could get to use lanes from on which gas and diesel cars have been banned, it is said.
According to the DfT, it all starts with the green plate, which could either be actually green in its entirety or carry some kind of distinguishing green symbol.
“Adding a green badge of honor 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,” Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, says.
In addition to reducing pollution and helping the environment, green vehicles are also more cost-effective. People just need to be made aware of all the advantages – and the green plates should serve this purpose, Elisabeth Costa, Director at The Behavioural Insights Team, believes.
“Green plates would be more noticeable to road users, and this increased attraction can help normalize the idea of clean vehicles, highlighting the changing social norms around vehicle ownership,” Costa explains.
The new proposal comes ahead of the UK hosting the first ever Zero Emission Vehicle Summit this week.
These include priority routes or access to the bus lane, which would mean drivers of clean cars would be able to avoid traffic jams and shorten their daily commute. Special lanes for these vehicles might also be built at an unspecified date, according to the statement put out by the DfT. Where new ones will not be build, drivers could get to use lanes from on which gas and diesel cars have been banned, it is said.
According to the DfT, it all starts with the green plate, which could either be actually green in its entirety or carry some kind of distinguishing green symbol.
“Adding a green badge of honor 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,” Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, says.
In addition to reducing pollution and helping the environment, green vehicles are also more cost-effective. People just need to be made aware of all the advantages – and the green plates should serve this purpose, Elisabeth Costa, Director at The Behavioural Insights Team, believes.
“Green plates would be more noticeable to road users, and this increased attraction can help normalize the idea of clean vehicles, highlighting the changing social norms around vehicle ownership,” Costa explains.
The new proposal comes ahead of the UK hosting the first ever Zero Emission Vehicle Summit this week.