Minister recognises fleet ’pioneers’ at BVRLA event

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has told BVRLA that the government will work with vehicle rental and leasing sector to find solutions to UK transport issues.

Robert Goodwill and other members of Parliament were presented with the industry’s policy recommendations at a Parliamentary reception in the House of Commons. The recommendations were presented by the Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leading Association, Gerry Keaney, who highlighted the association’s six main recommendations.

They have called on the government to make the fitment of Autonomous Emergency Braking mandatory for new vehicles, along with the introduction of a national framework surrounding urban Clear Air Zones, and an investigation into the possibility of adjusting current and existing road designs. The policy also recommended the continued support of ulta-low emission vehicles via the plug-in grant for all new electric cars and vans. Car clubs are also encouraged across major cities as a way of minimising unnecessary car journeys and reducing emissions and congestion.

The idea of introducing incentives for drivers of ultra-low emission vehicles such as free parking or green express lanes was also mentioned to encourage individuals to take up electric vehicles.

The newly appointed Minister of State for Transport, Robert Goodwill said: “I am very grateful to the BVRLA for organising the discussions which have culminated in this evening’s reception. There really is no substitute for getting the experts around a table and thrashing out some good ideas.

“And as we look at how far the vehicle manufacturing industry has come in the last few decades, we must also recognise that pioneering fleet managers in the private sector have been great agents of change,” Mr Goodwill added.

The Government has since announced that it will continue to support a revised version of the plug-in car grant. From 1 March 2016, vehicles with a zero-emission range of more than 70 miles will benefit from a grant of £4,500, while vehicles with a shorter zero-emission range will receive £2,500 provided they cost less than £60,000. Currently, applicants can receive up to £5,000 off the list price of an eligible car.

Transport representatives from each of the three main political parties in government, plus representatives from the Transport Select Committee, attended the parliamentary reception. A total of 20 MP’s joined a host of BVRLA members and fleet end users.

Early next year, the BVRLA will place detailed policy papers with Government Ministers, senior departmental advisors and other key stakeholders, which will form the basis for further meetings between the BVRLA and Government officials throughout 2016.

 

 

 

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