Britain to introduce green auto number plates

LONDON, Oct 22. Green number plates are to be introduced in Britain for zero-emission vehicles, the Department for Transport (DfT) said Tuesday. The government said as Britain moves towards net zero emissions, the green-plate initiative aims to raise awareness of the increasing number of zero tailpipe emission vehicles on British roads. The DfT, launching a consultation on the initiative, said it will help drivers benefit more easily from local incentives like free or cheaper parking and encourage greater uptake of new vehicle technology.

“The announcement marks another milestone for the government’s Road to Zero strategy, 1.5 billion pound package of support which aims to make Britain the best place in the world to own an electric vehicle,” said a government statement. Through the introduction of green number plates, city and town halls would have a useful visual identifier should they wish to introduce incentives such as allowing drivers to use bus lanes and to pay less for parking.

“A similar scheme was trialled in Ontario with drivers of electric vehicles given free access to toll lanes and high occupancy vehicle lanes. Ontario saw an increase in electric vehicle registrations,” said the DfT. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “By increasing awareness of these vehicles and the benefits they bring to their drivers and our environment, we will turbo-charge the zero emission revolution.” (one pound now equals to 1.29 U.S. dollars)