A UK decarbonisation roadmap has been called for by the Road Haulage Association in order to protect the environment and its users.
The association has asked the government to show ‘coordinated leadership’ for any future green transport plans.
Furthermore RHA says that any UK decarbonisation roadmap needs to take into account the needs of drivers and road users.
RHA’s call has been defined in its latest ’Eliminate, Minimise, Offset’ paper.
Specifically, the paper sets out a vision on how the commercial vehicle sector can achieve net zero emissions.
Investment in developing vehicle standards to drive down CO2 emissions, supported by stable regulation, is at the heart of the message.
In addition, RHA says it is concerned about the current political train of thought.
The association argues road users – such as drivers and operators – are being unfairly demonised by certain groups or politicians.
However, these debates are going on while there is little regard to the essential needs of the economy and society for goods to be moved.
“The political ambition and technological potential to reduce UK CO2 emissions is clear,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.
“However, sustainable and predictable implementation is less so.
“Our updated policy paper sets out clear recommendations to steer the next steps.”
Continuing, Burnett said it is unfortunate that this debate is going on as the UK recovers from the pandemic.
“The political debate is currently unbalanced and threatens to alienate any good-will that exists “to do the right thing”,” he warned.
A healthy, mobile economy that generates the tax revenue is needed to invest in lowering emissions, stated the chief executive.
Furthermore, it urged politicians to understand that a healthy economy needs cost-effective and efficient transportation.
Concluding, Burnett said: “A more inclusive approach to decarbonisation is essential as the drive to net zero continues.”
