GOVERNMENT LAUNCHING GREEN MOTORING SCHEME
October 30, 2008 at 3:30 pm 1 comment
By Sibusiso Mvitsho (s.mvitsho@my.westminster.ac.uk)
The Government is launching new schemes to promote the benefits of green motoring and create thousands of jobs.
Car companies have been given the opportunity to take part in a £10m project to run electric and ultra-low carbon vehicles demonstration projects.
The Idea
The project overseen by the Technology Strategy board, will introduce around 100 green cars to various cities and towns.
It is hoped this encourage motorists to get involved with green motoring and give feedback on the cars and the steps needed to make green motoring an everyday reality.
The project could leads to the creation of 10,000 new British jobs, as the scheme is part of a wider Government plan to make the most of the low-carbon economy.
Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said: “We must look at these things not only in terms of the impact on the environment but in terms of the impact of our economy. Using low-carbon vehicles can be cheaper than using their carbon emitting counterparts.”
The Government says the investment is part of its commitment to cutting all greenhouse gases by 80% by 2050.
Research
According to the Independent newspaper, £20m has been dedicated to UK research into improving technology that could make electrical and other green cars more affordable.
The Independent reports this follows research findings which say, correctly managed, UK power stations could support use of electric cars and charging needs without needing large numbers of new power stations.
Who is involved?
The mass production of green vans will be encouraged for the first time as part of a £20m programme to ensure all road transport emissions are reduced.
A number of companies have been shortlisted in an announcement by the Department for Transport to provide electric and low-carbon vans to some councils and public sector bodies like the Royal Mail.
Coventry, Gateshead, Glasgow, Leeds and Liverpool will be among the first to trail green vans on their streets.
The companies are:
- Ford Motor Company
- Ashwoods
- Mercedes-Benz UK
- LDV Group
- Citroen UK
- Nissan UK
- Allied Vehicles
- Land Rover
- Smith Electric Vehicles
email: s.mvitsho@my.westminster.ac.uk
Entry filed under: Environment. Tags: department for transport, government, green motoring, low carbon economy, technology strategy board.
The Noticeboard 
1. GREEN MOTORING A POSSIBILITY « The Noticeboard | November 8, 2008 at 7:41 pm
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