UK trade associations ambivalent on diesel truck ban

UK trade associations have offered mixed responses to the government's proposal to ban diesel and gasoline-powered trucks from 2040.

The proposal, outlined in yesterday's decarbonisation plan, is "optimistic but completely unrealistic", according to the UK Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).

"Alternatives to diesel such as electric and hydrogen have not yet been developed to a point where they can be sold into the commercial freight sector," it said. "Without a roadmap, this is mere aspiration."

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) offered a similar view, arguing that the proposal to ban diesel truck sales "is unrealistic" and that "alternative HGVs do not yet exist". But it expressed support for the "eventual aim" of decarbonising the UK's truck fleet.

In contrast the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the decarbonisation plan, describing it as "necessary to create a clear and supportive framework to accelerate the transition to net zero mobility." But the SMMT also said that the technological hurdle remains a challenge.

"The industry is developing many types of zero-emission technologies for heavy commercial vehicles, with electric, hydrogen, and other alternative fuel options available," it said. "However, the technologies are still in their infancy — so if the UK wants to be a leader in uptake, government must provide the right incentives and infrastructure so hauliers do not defer their decarbonising decision to the last minute."

The UK Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), which represents the refining industry, was also supportive.

"The downstream oil sector — the supplier of 96pc of the UK's transport fuels — is committed to working with the UK government to decarbonise the transport system," it said.

The release of the UK decarbonisation sector covered a number of sectors, including measures aimed at accelerating maritime and aviation decarbonisation. The UK government last year said that the sale of diesel and gasoline-powered cars and vans will be banned by 2030.

Diesel demand in the UK was 2.52mn t in May and gasoline demand was 947,000t, according to the most recent submission to the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (Jodi). The country was a net importer of oil products in that month.

By Harry Riley-Gould