A Bill has been introduced in the House of Lords to hasten the
transition to zero-emission buses. Supported by Campaign for
Better Transport, the Buses (Zero Emissions) Bill, proposed by
Baroness , would prohibit the sale of
new diesel-powered buses after 2025, and ensure that all buses on
the road are zero-emission by 2035.
Following the Government's announcement of £5 billion for buses
and cycling, including funds to get 4,000 zero emission buses on
the road, Campaign for Better Transport is calling for further
action from the Government in its National Bus Strategy to ensure
that all diesel fuelled buses are removed from the bus fleet and
clarity is given to bus operators, manufacturers and local
authorities on the pace of transition that is required to meet
net zero carbon emission targets and tackle air pollution in
towns and cities.
said:
"With their ability to reduce traffic on our roads, buses are
already a vital part of efforts to tackle climate change and air
pollution. But the transition to zero-emission buses is not
happening quickly enough. I'm pleased to be working with Campaign
for Better Transport on this Bill, which will support net zero
emission targets and help to clean up the polluted air in our
towns and cities. I hope that the Government will respond
positively, either directly to the Bill or through the National
Bus Strategy to be published this year."
Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport,
said:
"We want to see this deadline to end sales of diesel-powered
buses accompanied by fundingto help the UK bus industry scale up
its production of electric and hydrogen-powered buses, and
measures to roll out charging infrastructure. We're happy to
support this Bill, which has the capacity to help passengers, the
environment and the bus manufacturing sector alike. The National
Bus Strategy should ensure that targets are set for the sector
that are consistent with the need to meet legal obligations to
reduce carbon emissions."
Notes to Editors
The Buses (Zero Emissions)
Bill can be read online. Sponsored by
Liberal Democrat Peer ,
the Bill received its first reading in the House of
Lords on 29 January; second reading is yet to be
scheduled.
