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Under current targets, new diesel HGVs under 26 tonnes are set to be banned from 2035, with vehicles over 26 tonnes following in 2040.
The UK government’s plans to phase out new diesel heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy have been met with strong concern from the Road Haulage Association (RHA). While the industry is broadly supportive of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards greener alternatives, the RHA warns that the current timeline and lack of clarity pose serious risks to the haulage sector and the broader supply chain.
Under the current proposals, the sale of new non-zero emission HGVs under 26 tonnes is set to be banned by 2035, with those over 26 tonnes following by 2040. The RHA argues that these targets, while ambitious, fail to account for the practical realities facing operators, including limited vehicle availability, lack of refuelling infrastructure, and the high cost of zero emission alternatives.
One of the RHA’s central concerns is the readiness of the necessary infrastructure to support a widescale transition. There is currently a significant shortfall in charging and hydrogen refuelling facilities for HGVs across the UK. Without a reliable and widespread network, hauliers face uncertainty about their ability to operate vehicles efficiently; particularly those servicing rural areas or undertaking long haul routes.
Furthermore, while zero emission technologies such as battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell trucks are developing rapidly, they are not yet widely available at a scale or cost that makes them viable for most operators. The RHA stresses that early adopters should not be penalised by a lack of government support, and more needs to be done to bridge the gap between ambition and reality.
The RHA also highlights the economic burden that a rushed transition could impose on small and medium sized hauliers, who make up the vast majority of the UK’s logistics sector. Transitioning to new fleets represents a significant financial investment, which many operators cannot afford without substantial government incentives or support schemes.
There are ongoing concerns about the operational range, payload capacity, and performance of zero-emission HGVs, particularly for long distance and time sensitive deliveries. The RHA is calling for more research and trials to ensure that alternative technologies are fit for purpose and can meet the demands of the logistics sector.
The RHA is urging the government to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop a more pragmatic and phased approach to decarbonising road freight. This includes realistic timelines, targeted investment in infrastructure, and clear policy guidance that gives hauliers the confidence to invest in new technologies.
While the industry is committed to playing its part in reducing emissions, the RHA’s message is clear: without a well supported and workable plan, the diesel phase-out could risk disruption to supply chains, increased costs, and a loss of jobs in a sector that underpins much of the UK economy.
