RHA has given a cautious welcome to government proposals to change driving licence rules for zero emission vans and is calling on fleet operators to give their feedback on the proposals.

The consultation is part of the government’s wider aim to encourage a greater uptake of zero emission vans, which currently lags behind the uptake of zero emission cars.

Announcing the consultation, the DfT said: “From January to June 2024, 4.7% of new vans sold in the UK were battery electric, down from 5.2% during the same period in 2023, highlighting the need for further measures to support uptake.” 

The proposals in the consultation relate to zero emission vans with a mass of between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes, referred to as ZEGVs.

The main proposals in this consultation are to:

  • Transfer the annual testing of ZEGVs from the heavy vehicle testing system to the MOT network, with the tests used for 3 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes goods vehicles put in place
  • Amend annual testing schedules for ZEVGs, so their first test is after three years from first registration, and annually thereafter
  • Remove ZEGVs between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes, as well as those used with a trailer in a combination with a mass of up to seven tonnes, from the requirements for tachograph use, the assimilated drivers’ hours rules and specific road transport working time rules when used within Great Britain.

Aaron Peters, RHA head of technical, this week, revealed a mixed response from RHA to the proposals.

He said the the proposal to move the annual testing for ZEGVs from the HGV testing system to the MOT network “presents a problem.”

He explained: “There has been historical difficulty in HGV testing availability. Although this has been somewhat alleviated, putting additional vehicles into this testing network would hamper progress made and harm both van and haulage companies.”

However Peters welcomed the third proposal to remove ZEGVs between 3.5 tonnes and 4.25 tonnes, as well as those used with a trailer up to 7 tonnes, from the requirements for tachograph use, assimilated drivers’ hours rules, and specific road transport working time rules.

He said: “This would be different to the standard rules where any vehicle combination  of van and trailer over 3.5 tonne combined weight and used for hire and reward are required to use a tacho, unless covered by an exemption. This change would certainly be of help to operators – who I’m sure would be thankful for less admin.”

Peters also hailed the proposed changes to annual testing schedules for ZEGVs, so their first test is after three years from first registration, and every year after that.

He said: “This is actually a very good suggestion. A three-year MOT cycle after registration would make ZEV van regulations in line with petrol and diesel variants, while also reducing the additional burden on the operator and the testing network.

“If this is brought in this could potentially ease strains on workshops and up efficiency for commercial vehicles as a whole.”

The consultation runs until 3 March. The consultation document can be found here.

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