Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department
for Transport (): I have today
published the draft statutory instrument “The Road Vehicles
(Authorised Weight) (Amendment) Regulations 2023” with an
accompanying explanatory memorandum. A de minimis assessment has
been drafted and will be available when a draft of the statutory
instrument is laid.
The use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and alternatively
fuelled vehicles (AFVs) can contribute to transport
decarbonisation, as well as reduce emissions of air quality
related pollutants. Currently, alternatively fuelled and zero
emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) may have heavier powertrain
technology than traditionally fuelled internal combustion engine
(ICE) HGVs. There are particular components in AFVs or ZEVs which
are likely to be heavier than their equivalents in an ICE
vehicle, most notably batteries, which are significantly heavier
than a petrol or diesel fuel tank providing an equivalent vehicle
range. Fuel tanks for pressurised gaseous fuels such as
biomethane or hydrogen are also likely to be heavier than ICE
equivalents, due to the need to reinforce these to cope with high
pressure.
All vehicles are subject to a gross vehicle weight limit, which
varies depending on the axle configuration. Current weight
allowances are set out within the Road Vehicles (Authorised
Weight) Regulations 1998 (S.I. 1998/3111) and the Road Vehicles
(Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (S.I. 1986/1078). Due to
current maximum weight limit restrictions, the heavier powertrain
means AFVs and ZEVs can carry a decreased cargo weight than
comparable ICE vehicles. This acts as a payload penalty,
potentially decreasing their commercial appeal.
The statutory instrument provides for a weight limit increase of
a flat two tonnes for certain ZEVs and up to one tonne for
certain AFVs. The relevant ZEVs and AFVs are mainly types of HGV.
No additional weight allowance for ZEVs or AFVs will apply over
the existing maximum of 44 tonnes. The maximum weight limits for
individual axles will remain unchanged. This slightly different
approach for ZEVs compared to AFVs is to provide the maximum
possible incentive for ZEVs to be adopted.
The statutory instrument is published in accordance with the
procedure required by Schedule 8 to the European Union
(Withdrawal) Act 2018 and agreed with Parliament. The statutory
instrument is being published in draft at least 28 days before
being laid in draft to be considered under affirmative procedures
in parliament.
The Department consulted on these proposals between July and
September 2021 as part of a wider consultation on phase out dates
for new non zero emission HGVs “Heavy goods vehicles: ending the
sale of new non-zero emission models.” A response(opens in a new tab)
which confirmed our intention to introduce these changes was
published 12 May 2022.
