The strategy looks at reducing pollution from a range of sources, including agriculture and domestic heating.
Measures proposed for the transport sector include development of new standards for tyres and brakes to address toxic non-exhaust emissions, and new legislation to compel manufacturers to recall vehicles for any failures in their emissions control system, as well as making tampering with emissions control systems a legal offence.
The government is also planning to give local authorities more power to control air pollution; the RHA says it is concerned that this could lead to charges and potentially fines for some operators.
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “By 2025, NOx emissions from lorries will be one-fifth of what they were in 2013 – a dramatic fall for which our industry doesn’t receive adequate credit. Cars and vans, as well as domestic heating, are much bigger polluters.
“This sector has slashed its NOx emissions and there should be no bans or restrictions on lorries less than 12 years old. A phased approach is essential, and it would avoid the shift to vans which would mean more congestion and more pollution.
“More regulations on a sector with its house already in order wouldn’t make the air any cleaner.”
The draft strategy is open for consultation until 14 August: for more, click the link below.