Mike Foster, CEO of the Gas Vehicle Network (GVN), has berated Britain’s main political parties for their lack of commitment to tackling the disproportionately high carbon emissions and air pollutants from heavy goods vehicles.

“HGV fleet managers should start to make the switch from dirty Euro 4 and 5 engines to clean, low carbon Euro 6 vehicles”, according to the head of Gas Vehicle Networks, Mike Foster. His call comes as further research is published linking poor air quality to “significant short-term health risks” according to Kings’ College London.

The consultation on Birmingham City Council’s clean air zone, released on the 4th July, closes today, 17th August. Responding to the consultation the Natural Gas Vehicle Network, (NGVN) calls for the targeting of action on diesel HGVs and for greater levels of investment in public transport.

Yesterday, 28th March 2018, the Government announced a 10% reduction to the rates paid by hauliers of less polluting lorries, to encourage the take up of lower emitting vehicles, such as those that use natural gas as fuel.

Having already been defeated in two court battles over air pollution, today the Government suffered a third defeat, with the judge not only ruling in ClientEarth’s favour, but declaring the government’s lack of action on the matter unlawful.