Non-zero-emission coach sales to phase out

A phase out of the sale or purchase of new non-zero emission coaches is imminent, according to the Government. A date for this is due to be consulted on. It made the commitment in its Decarbonising Transport document. It is currently consulting on an appropriate date to end the sale of new non-zero emission buses.

In its Decarbonising Transport document, the Government outlines what it describes as the crucial part buses and coaches play in its goal of achieving Net Zero.

The document urges an increase in the share of journeys taken by public transport, particularly in congested areas. It says to avoid the worst effects of a car-led recovery, it needs to quickly shift journeys back to public transport, as well as to encourage more people to use it. It quoted the figure of one coach between London and Edinburgh saves the equivalent of 15 cars’ worth of emissions.

It mentioned the National Bus Strategy published this year and the £3bn investment for buses in England outside London and support for 4,000 new low-carbon buses. It also reiterated its pledge to deliver the first all-electric bus town or city.

On an end date for the sale of new non-zero emission buses and on the introduction of the appropriate supporting policy and regulatory framework, the Government closed an initial consultation 11 April 2021 and said there will be a further consultation later this year.

“The coach industry faces different challenges to decarbonisation from the bus industry and we want to understand the barriers the sector faces as well as the opportunities” – Decarbonising Transport

On its commitment to consult on a phase-out date for the sale or purchase of new non-zero emission coaches, the Decarbonising Transport document said: “The coach industry faces different challenges to decarbonisation from the bus industry and we want to understand the barriers the sector faces as well as the opportunities.”

The UKCOA reports it is pleased the Government has recognised the difference between buses and coaches in this respect. It has heard from a DfT contact that the Government department is keen to meet with the trade body to discuss the decarbonisation of coaches.