Good news came for the alternatively-fuelled light commercial vehicle (AFLCV) sector this week as legislation was approved for those weighing up to 4.25 tonnes to be freed from burdensome tachograph regulations from 1 June, gaining access to tens of thousands more MOT test stations.
Previously, operators that didn’t want to endure tacho regulations needed to restrict daily mileage to within 100km of their base – and needed to take their AFLCV to one of approximately 500 HGV test sites around the UK, where booking is often needed weeks or months ahead. Gaining access to the lighter Class 7 test next month will mean operators might find one on the day, as there are more than 23,000 sites for these – a 46-fold increase in options.
SMMT has long called for the measure and industry hopes it will provide a shot in the arm for zero emission van registrations which, while growing, represented just 9.4% of the market in April – less than half the 24% share which government has mandated for the year.
While the measure could have come sooner, the regulation is complex and required significant industry engagement with government to legal red tape around tacho and MOT issues. SMMT will continue to engage with government to secure further, more timely support and ensure the industry is best positioned to deliver the growth – and longer term decarbonisation ambitions – which we share.
