UK govt announces grant-based low carbon motoring assistance package
With its Climate Change Act locked in, the UK government has announced financial handouts to help speed up acceptance of EVs and plug-insUK Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon have announced a series of grant-based policy initiatives aimed at hurrying British motorists down the path to low- and zero-emissions motoring.
The five-year plan hinges on grants of £2000-5000 to help bring EVs and PHVs into line with popular price points when they arrive in showrooms, something the government expects to see happen in 2011.
The consumer incentive package is part of a wider £250m scheme aimed at boosting the development of infrastructure and support technologies and encouraging low-carbon car builders to set up camp in the UK.
It earmarks £20 million for the setup of public charging points and further funding for focus group research based on test-drive feedback from 200 motorists, all aimed at fostering electric car networks throughout UK cities.
The scheme tops up an initial spend of more than £400m in support of the Climate Change Act, the first such legislation in the world to impose legally binding emissions targets. The Act was passed in 2008 to provide the road transport sector with incentive to cut carbon emissions by a minimum 26 pc by 2020 and 80 pc by 2050.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
