The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has criticised the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) manifesto proposal to ban the sale of new diesel buses in the UK by 2025.
The manifesto, released yesterday, outlines that the party would call on the UK government to end the import and sale of non-zero-emissions buses by next year.
CPT claims such a target would disproportionately affect smaller and rural bus operators and the socially necessary services they provide.
The government has not yet set a date for the end of sale of non-zero-emissions coaches and buses.
Paul White, Director of CPT Scotland, says: “Many larger bus operators have already committed to purchasing only zero-emission or ultra-low emission vehicles, provided that the right fiscal support is delivered by government to help meet the higher purchase costs and the required supporting infrastructure.
“The transition to zero-emission is not purely about cost. Practical concerns like the availability of charging infrastructure and vehicle range must be considered. These issues are most prevalent in rural areas.
“It is unclear how the SNP plans to deliver more frequent and better rural bus services if bus operators cannot source or operate vehicles that are suitable for rural routes.”
Adding its belief that the SNP proposal would put manufacturing jobs at risk, CPT also calls on the Scottish government to support the path to zero-emissions coaches and buses with funding.
Mr White continues: “If the SNP wishes to accelerate the transition to a zero-emission bus fleet, it should commit to further rounds of the Scottish Zero Emission Bus scheme, support investment in research and development to deliver vehicles with the power and range to provide services in challenging geography, and work with CPT and its operator and manufacturer members to map out a credible pathway that offers a realistic and just way forward for operators, manufacturers and passengers”
