London, UK: A six-month delay in publishing the government’s low carbon fuels strategy is “inhibiting” private sector investment, according to Logistics UK. In a letter to Transport Secretary Jesse Norman, Logistics UK called for the urgent publication of the low carbon fuels strategy as well as a closer partnership between government and industry.
Kate Jennings, director of policy at Logistics UK, said: “The logistics industry is working hard to meet vehicle phase out dates and emission reduction deadlines however government plays an integral role in this and must meet deadlines they have set themselves.
“The low carbon fuels strategy is now six months late and this, together with concerns over the pace of electric vehicle infrastructure and zero emission freight trials, is inhibiting private sector investment. Costs are a key concern across all sectors of the economy, and businesses are reluctant to invest without a clear strategy that outlines how cost, supply and infrastructure challenges will be addressed. It also remains unclear whether government is viewing LCFs [low carbon fuels] as a transitional tool or if they will have a long-term role to play.”
The letter follows a parliamentary roundtable on decarbonisation held last week. “At the parliamentary roundtable, industry highlighted how vital a strategic partnership is with government to deliver a fair transition to a green economy,” said Jennings. “Members also raised significant concerns over adding costs to customers if decarbonisation is not delivered efficiently. Industry fully recognises the role it has to play to achieve decarbonisation but sufficient support must be in place to ensure it is achievable and does not push prices up on the shelves.”
