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A recent poll conducted by Clean Cities reveals that only 17% of Britons believe businesses are taking sufficient measures to protect the environment and combat air pollution. This survey, which included 4,000 UK adults, comes at a time when Department for Transport (DfT) data shows a significant increase in business-related road traffic over the past decade.
From 2013 to 2023, the distance driven by vans in the UK surged from 69.6 billion to 93 billion kilometers, marking a staggering one-third increase. This rise in commercial vehicle usage has raised concerns about its environmental impact and contribution to air pollution.
Carbon Emissions from Vans Threaten Climate Goals
Research conducted by Transport & Environment UK (T&E UK), Europe’s leading clean transport and energy advocacy group, paints an even grimmer picture. Carbon emissions from vans have skyrocketed by 63% since 1990 in the UK, posing a significant threat to climate targets and exacerbating air pollution from diesel fumes.
This alarming trend persists despite the growing push for EVs and the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 10% of van sales this year to be electric – a target that far exceeds the 6.2% achieved in 2023.
Public Supports Tough Measures, Calls for Small Business Aid
The poll reveals a surprising willingness among the British public to support potentially unpopular measures to protect the environment. More than half of respondents would back initiatives such as adding extra costs to deliveries to fund clean air initiatives.
However, the public also recognizes the need for support, particularly for small businesses. Sixty percent of those surveyed believe that small businesses should receive more assistance in transitioning to electric vehicles.
Clean Cities Urges Government Action
With diesel consumption from the UK van fleet at record levels, Clean Cities is calling on the newly formed government in Westminster to take decisive action. The group advocates for a comprehensive support package for electric vans, with the ultimate goal of transforming polluted city centers into zero-emission freight zones in the near future.
Oliver Lord, UK Head of Clean Cities, said, “Climate change and air pollution are two sides of the same coin. For businesses to step up and take the lead, this new government must provide the certainty and robust support they need. This means setting ambitious environmental targets, creating clear policy frameworks and providing incentives to transition to electric and pedal-powered vehicles. Without the support for businesses from the government, we will threaten public health and our ability to transition away from heavily polluting forms of transport such as diesel vehicles.”
Clean Cities points to successful initiatives in the Netherlands, where cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht are collaborating with businesses to ensure all newly registered freight vehicles are electric from next year. This proactive approach has resulted in electric van sales in the Netherlands being double those in the UK.
The Path Forward: Clean Cargo Capital
In response to these challenges, Clean Cities has launched the “Clean Cargo Capital” campaign. This initiative aims to establish central London as a world-class business district for zero-emission mobility and position the UK as a leader in sustainable business practices.
As the new government settles in, all eyes are on Westminster to see how it will address these pressing environmental concerns and support businesses in making the crucial transition to cleaner, more sustainable practices.