Government announces plans to introduce green licence plates for electric vehicles

Published: 22 October 2019 Updated: 22 October 2019

The Department for Transport have today announced a consultation into the idea of introducing green number plates for zero-emissions vehicles.

Part of a larger plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it is thought the plates will make it easier to identify these vehicles, allowing them to enjoy benefits including cheaper parking and low-emission zone discounts over conventional combustion-engine machines. These perks would be devised by each individual local authority.

When MCN asked whether electric motorcycles would be included in the plans, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport said the types of vehicle to be included was ‘currently being consulted on.’

Cornering on the electric Zero SR/F

Speaking about the plan in a statement, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, said: “Green number plates are a really positive and exciting way to help everyone recognise the increasing number of electric vehicles on our roads.

“By increasing awareness of these vehicles and the benefits they bring to their drivers and our environment, we will turbo-charge the zero emission revolution.”

The announcement is part of the government’s Road to Zero Strategy, a £1.5 billion scheme created with the aim of making the UK the best places in the world to own an electric vehicle, with the consultation seeking views from industry and the public about a number of aspects of the plan, including vehicle eligability.

Similar plans have already appeared elsewhere, including Ontario, Canada, where electric vehicle owners enjoy free access to toll lanes and high occupancy vehicle lanes. As a result, it’s claimed the area has seen an increase in electric vehicle registrations.

“The UK is in the driving seat of global efforts to tackle vehicle emissions and climate change and improve air quality, but we want to accelerate our progress,” Shapps added.

Plate designs could include:

A fully green number plate with black lettering
A green flash on the traditional plate
A green dot or symbol on the traditional plate

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By Dan Sutherland

News Editor - I joined the MCN team straight from studying at the University of Sheffield, starting out as Acting Consumer Editor, before becoming the Senior Online Reporter, Senior Writer and more recently the News Editor. Although my first love will always be performance bikes and racing, I have a passion for all things two-wheeled. I did my Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) on my 16th birthday and passed my full test around a year later. I now cover around 20,000 road miles a year on motorcycles of all genres and in all weathers. I have also experienced elements of advanced rider training, tackled countless UK and international short circuits and achieved an ACU race licence to begin a fledgling competition career.

Charging an electric Zero SR/F