The Government has pledged £2m of funding to support the uptake of e-cargo bikes – as part of efforts to reduce pollution and congestion.
Announced on 10 September, the funding is designed to ‘pave the way for nimble electric delivery vehicles’ by helping UK companies replace older, more polluting vans.
The funding is an early response to the last mile call for evidence, launched in July, which explored how electrically powered e-vans, micro vehicles and e-cargo bikes can provide better service to customers in comparison to light commercial vehicles.
Further detail about the distribution of the funding will be outlined shortly along with the Government’s full response to the call for evidence.
The Government says its plans will encourage alternate green technologies to ‘counter the increasing usage of diesel delivery vans that has accompanied the boom in internet shopping’.
Jesse Norman, road safety minister, said: “Support for e-cargo bikes will help to ensure that Britain leads the way in the development and deployment of the technologies of the future.
“Encouraging electric delivery bikes on to our city streets will cut traffic and improve air quality, and will show how these vehicles have the potential to play an important role in the zero emission future of this country.”
Its not just light delivery vehicles that want to be removed from our local streets its the big HGV’s that regularly supply local outlets belonging to all trades and in particular grocers and general provisions. By being big and diesel they increase pollution, give only 3/4 miles per gallon and their weight damages our local road surfaces causing the beginnings of more potholes.
They have a lot to answer for.
R.Craven
+1
Could be used by the general public as well for local shopping trips, not to mention the school run – (don’t laugh, it’s a serious suggestion) – replacing the cargo box with another seat for a small passenger could work. Parents with status-boosting SUVs may be harder to win over however.
Hugh Jones
--1