Green number plates could be introduced on clean cars, vans, and taxis under new plans to promote awareness of ultra-low emission vehicles.
The special plates are thought to encourage take-up among drivers and could help support local incentives for electric vehicles such as access to bus or low emission vehicle lanes, electric charging bays or ultra-low-emission-zones.
Similar schemes are already used in countries such as Norway, Canada, and China.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Adding a green badge of honour to these new clean vehicles is a brilliant way of helping increase awareness of their growing popularity in the UK, and might just encourage people to think about how one could fit into their own travel routine.”
Drivers who fail to read a number plate from 20m (65ft) away when stopped by the police will have their licences revoked immediately.
In the new crackdown officers from Thames Valley, Hampshire and West Midlands will test the eyesight of every motorist they stop throughout September.
Data will be collected from each test and used to gain an improved understanding of the extent of poor driver eyesight.
Officers can request an urgent revocation of a licence through the DVLA if they believe the safety of other road users will be put at risk if a driver remains on the road.
HMRC has bowed to campaigning from ACFO and will introduce an Advisory Fuel Rate (AFR) for 100% electric cars from September 1 at 4p per mile. It will be published alongside AFR’s for petrol, diesel and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cars based on engine size. Plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars will continue to be treated […]
Around half of small and medium size businesses are unaware that Clean Air Zones will start to be implemented in towns and cities across the UK as early as next year, according to a survey by one of Jaama’s industry associate members – The BVRLA. A third of those asked were unaware that the Clean […]
Drivers are being encouraged to take the ‘number plate test’ by the DVLA, as a quick and easy way to check they meet the minimum eyesight requirements for driving.
By law, all drivers must meet the minimum eyesight standards at all times when driving – this includes being able to read a number plate from 20 metres.
The DVLA ‘EYE 735T’ campaign is reminding the public that they can easily check their eyesight by taking the 20 metres test and is pointing out some ways to quickly identify 20 metres at the roadside.
It is advising that five car lengths or eight parking bays can be an easy way to measure the distance.
The campaign is also encouraging anyone with concerns about their eyesight to visit their optician or optometrist for an eye test.
The vehicle rental and leasing industry contributes around £49 billion per year to the UK economy, according to a new report commissioned by one of Jaama’s industry associate members – The BVRLA. Written by research organisation Oxford Economics, the report shows the size and influence of the sector. This £49bn contribution is inclusive of the […]
Jaama has launched a new DVSA Earned Recognition Scheme module that enables commercial vehicle operators to create, store and manage compliance data.
- The new module is also applicable to coach and bus operators
- It has been launched following Jaama being recognised by the DVSA as a ‘validated IT supplier’ for its Key2 web-based technology.
- Operators that use Key2 are able to send defined Earned Recognition Scheme key performance indicator information to the DVSA database every four-weeks
- This includes data captured from walk-around vehicle inspection checks, servicing and MoT’s.
Operators adopting the Earned Recognition Scheme are less likely to get stopped for roadside inspections which will save them time and money.
Roadside checks have an impact on business efficiency because they inevitably result in delays and subsequent fines for operators missing allocated time slots with their customers. Additionally, vehicle defects found in checks can potentially result in legal action and trigger a chain reaction nightmare of a deep dive fleet audit by the DVSA.
Jaama has introduced new functionality to Key2 that enables users to utilise the data available following introduction of the new vehicle emissions and MPG protocol, WLTP.
Claimed to be more representative of ‘real-world’ driving than the outdated NEDC vehicle testing procedure, WLTP has been billed as “the world’s toughest-ever emissions standard”.
- WLTP test results have been applied to all new car and lighter van models (Class I up to 1305kgs) since September last year.
- From September 1, 2018 all cars and lighter vans (Class I up to 1305kgs) must be tested under WLTP rules along with new types of heavier vans (N1 Class II 1305-1760kgs and III above 1760kgs).
- From September 1, 2019 the rules apply to all heavier vans (N1 Class II 1305-1760kgs and III above 1760kgs).
Introduction of WLTP is much more comprehensive compared with the ‘old’ NEDC test.
As a result, Jaama which takes vehicle data feeds from automotive industry providers CAP HPI and JATO Dynamics, has added new functionality to their Key2 suite of applications to manage this data. The new functionality will enable a greater insight into vehicle emissions and MPG performance for fleet decision-makers.
The Government confirms ambition to see at least half of new cars to be ultra-low emission by 2030 as ‘Road to Zero Strategy’ released.
- Strategy sets out ambition for at least 50% — and as many as 70% — of new car sales to be ultra-low emission by 2030, alongside up to 40% of new vans.
- Government will take steps to enable massive roll-out of infrastructure to support electric vehicle revolution.
- Strategy sets the stage for the biggest technology advancement to hit UK roads since the invention of the combustion engine.
The proposals outlined in the Road to Zero Strategy, sets out plans to enable a massive expansion of green infrastructure across the country, reduce emissions from the vehicles already on the UK’s roads, and drive the uptake of zero emission cars, vans and trucks.