Road to Zero in sight as green number plates introduced on UK roads

Green number plates introduced, raising awareness of cleaner vehicles.

Green number plates were introduced yesterday as the country prepares to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles as part of the government's commitment to reach net-zero by 2050.

Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: "the move underlined the government’s commitment to tackling poor air quality in the UK’s towns and cities."

The move builds on last month’s announcement to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK by 2030, putting the UK on course to be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise these vehicles.

The introduction of the new plates on UK roads will raise awareness of the growing number of zero-emission vehicles, as well as helping motorists benefit from local initiatives such as cheaper parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones.

The new number plates can be retro-fitted to any existing vehicles, including cars, vans, buses, HGVs, taxis and motorcycles as long as they emit no CO2 emissions at the tailpipe. They will consist of a green flash on the left-hand side of the plate and can be combined with the Union flag and national identifiers already permitted by the regulations.