Green plates for zero-emission cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK are to be given green number plates to help promote cleaner vehicles and allow drivers to access special incentives.

The distinctive plates, which will carry a bright green stripe down one side, may allow drivers of EVs in some areas to use bus lanes, enjoy cheaper parking and receive exemptions from emissions charges.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, says the plates will be introduced from the northern hemisphere’s autumn as part of a £1.5 billion (NZ$2.9b) drive to stimulate the economy by accelerating zero-emission motoring. 

The move is also designed to help the UK’s push to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

At the same time, the UK government is allocating £12 million to fund research into zero-emission technology, including developing greener vehicles and improving existing car battery charging technology.

The announcement to rollout the green plates follows a public consultation in October 2019 under the government’s “Road to Zero” strategy to slash emissions from road transport.

Only zero-emission vehicles will be eligible to receive the new registration plates.

Edmund King, president of UK motoring association the AA, says more than one-third of its members backed the new plates scheme.

“Having a green flash on the number plate may become a badge of honour for some drivers,” he adds.