Vans could soon be banned from city centres under new plans to drastically improve emissions.
The Department for Transport is aiming to replace vans in city centres with micro electric vehicles such as cargo bikes, minor vehicles, and electric vans.
Last-mile deliveries could be used by these low to zero-emissions vehicles which could help achieve emissions targets and congestion in cities.
Estimates suggest there are 300,000 HGVs and over 4,000,000 vans on the roads in Britain, which contributes to air pollution on the roads.
The ground-breaking developments are referenced in the government’s Last Mile and Future of mobility call for evidence documents, which have been published today.
The Government also confirmed the £12.1 million of funding for 6 projects working on simulation and modelling to aid the development of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman said: “The UK has a long and proud history of leading the world in transport innovation and our Future of Mobility Grand Challenge is designed to ensure this continues.
“We are on the cusp of an exciting and profound change in how people, goods, and services move around the country which is set to be driven by extraordinary innovation.
“This could bring significant benefits to people right across the country and presents enormous economic opportunities for the UK, with autonomous vehicles sales set to be worth up to £52 billion by 2035.
“Our Last Mile call for evidence and Future of Mobility call for evidence mark just one stage in our push to make the most of these inviting opportunities.”
Currently, the Government offers up to 20 per cent of £8,000 for e-vans in the UK.
This new plan follows the announcement of the Road to Zero strategy which aims to see the UK ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040.
