Gas-powered HGVs need infrastructure, says FTA 04 December 2012

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called on the Coalition government to reassure freight operators that gas is a viable alternative to diesel in its gas manifesto, published today (4 December 2012).

Citing a range of decarbonisation measures to make moving goods by road more carbon efficient, FTA says it is clear that, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the UK must look to alternative fuels that offer carbon savings – including natural gas and biomethane.

"Gas is a credible option for industry to make serious reductions in carbon emissions whilst serving the needs of the economy in delivering goods and services," comments Rachael Dillon, FTA climate change policy manager.

"However, to significantly increase gas-powered HGVs on UK roads, government needs to support the development of a national refuelling infrastructure on main motorway routes, to enable long-distance trunking for vehicle fleets," she continues.

"Working with a group of FTA members earlier this year, we identified 20 optimal locations for gas refuelling infrastructure," she says – adding that government needs to give greater consideration to operators of low carbon vehicles, and so shape policy that benefits, rather than hinders, adoption.

FTA's Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) member John Lewis Partnership believes that biomethane represents a low carbon alternative to diesel.

"John Lewis Partnership has a very ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions from our truck fleet," reveals the company's general manager for central transport, Justin Laney.

"We believe that the best fuel to achieve that is biomethane gas. Biomethane is not only excellent for reducing emissions, it is also good for investment, jobs, and balance of payments," he adds.

Author
John Chalen

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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