Having an electric car with a green number plate on it could allow drivers to use bus lanes
The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has responded to government plans to introduce green number plates for zero emission cars and subsequently let them drive in bus lanes.
CPT Chief Executive Graham Vidler says: ““Electric vehicles are an important part of the UK’s drive to be net zero by 2050. The bus industry is fully supportive of this ambition and is already taking action to decarbonise the UK bus fleet.
“However, the suggestion that local authorities could use green number plates to allow electric cars to drive in bus lanes shows a disconnect with recent initiatives to put bus at the heart of the local transport network and encourage more people to take the bus. This should be the focus rather than seeking to move people from one type of car to another.”
Government proposals
The government has launched a consultation in a bid to raise awareness of electric cars and help drivers benefit more easily from local incentives like free or cheaper parking. Cars with green number plates would be able to use bus lanes as is already happening in some areas in Norway, Hungary, Canada and China.
It would also enable people to spot and differentiate vehicles based on their environmental impact.
No role here
“Congestion costs the UK economy £13bn last year and pollution is significantly worse from vehicles stuck in traffic,” adds Mr Vidler. “If local authorities allow some cars to use bus infrastructure, which is already severely strained and in need of significant investment, we will simply increase congestion for bus passengers and drive people off the bus and back into cars the vast majority of which are not electric.
“Green number plates have a role to play in helping consumers choose electric cars. They have no role to play in allowing cars to access bus lanes, a move which would harm, rather than help, the UK’s drive to net zero.”
